Tag Archives: Parker Harding Plaza

Roundup: Parker Harding & Jesup Green, Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Traffic Safety Task Force …

Posted on April 9, 2024 | 18 comments

It took over 6 hours of talk. But early this morning, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-3 in favor of plans to renovate Parker Harding Plaza, and add the spots lost there to Jesup Green.

Those parking spots would be at the top of the green.

Tonight (Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream), the Representative Town Meeting votes on a request to spend $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the design and redevelopment of both Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

(Click here for a full report, from the Westport Journal.)

The Jesup Green parking plan.

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And the grand marshal of the 2024 Memorial Day parade is …

… Charles Lamb. He is a Korean War veteran, and a longtime civic volunteer.

The 95-year-old native of Springfield, Illinois joined the Navy in 1946, at 17. He was part of the Naval Aviation College Program.

In 1948 he was sent to Pensacola Naval Air Station. where he became a midshipman and started ground school. In 1950, age 21, he was designated a naval viator.

He amassed over 2,000 hours of flight time and earned 2 medals, each representing 20 aerial combat missions during the Korean War. He rose to the rank of lieutenant.

In 2022, the State of Connecticut recognized him for his patriotic service.

Lamb moved to Westport with his family in 1971, and still lives in the house they bought on Saugatuck Shores.

He served on the Representative Town Meeting (District 1) and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

This year’s Memorial Parade — the first in 54 years not overseen by Bill Vornkahl, who died in January — will be held on Monday, May 27, at 9 a.m. A ceremony follows the completion of the parade, on Veterans Green.

Charles Lamb will be grand marshal for the 2024 Memorial Day parade. After his remarks, a bugler will play “Taps.”

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Westport’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force has been listening, and acting.

On April 25 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), they’ll provide an update on their progress.

Residents will also be able to offer comments, and air concerns.

The event — coordinated by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and the Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and Public Safety Departments — will include town employees experienced in traffic management, and well versed in roadway conditions, engineering, and speed calming solutions, as well as the regulations and oversight authority of the town.

Also in attendance: the consultants responsible for preparing Westport’s Safety Action Plan, funded by a federal grant.

Meanwhile, the town’s interactive, online survey is open for residents’ input. Click here for access.

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Plenty of Westporters thrilled to the University of Connecticut’s romp to its second straight NCAA men’s basketball title last night.

A few were in Glendale, Arizona. Many were at home. Some were in Gampel Pavilion, the Huskies’ court, where UConn hosted a viewing party.

Tomaso and Lucia Scotti — siblings, Staples graduates, and fellow students — found each other in the large crowd.

Tomaso graduates this spring with a fine arts degree. focusing on graphic design. He gives tours from his job at the rec center, where he is a fitness instructor.

Lucia has a leadership positions in the visitors center. She is a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, and will study in Italy next year.

Lucia and Tomaso Scotti say: “Go Huskies!”

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Besides UConn’s rousing victory yesterday, the other big news was the solar eclipse.

Dozens of Westporters sent photos to “06880.” Franco Fellah added a video.

He writes: “Too bad the conditions were pretty horrible and cloudy. Here is a time lapse of the entire eclipse, as seen from my front yard on Elmwood Road. It is composed of 160 images taken with a robotic telescope.”

Here it is: a much quicker look than you got yesterday.

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Also yesterday: The Westport Country Playhouse was buzzing, for the world premiere of 3 films. All were Triple Threat Academy productions, made by aspiring actors, singers and dancers under the guidance of professionals.

Two were largely student-produced: “Oceans Fourteen” and “Family Recipe.”

“Family Recipe” actors post, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The feature was “Presumed Incompetent,” directed by Triple Threat founder (and former “Fame” star, and 1981 Staples High graduate) Cynthia Gibb, and written by Jill Johnson Mann.

Jill Johnson Mann and Cynthia Gibb, at the Playhouse.

“Presumed Incompetent” is based on the true story of Wynston Browne, the Staples High School junior with non-speaking autism and apraxia. He’s also the star of the film, which shows how a simple spelling device unlocks his very sharp brain. It’s life-changing — for him, his family, and all those around him who for too long presumed him to be incompetent.

“Presumed Incompetent” — which includes many local youngsters (and Gibb’s mother Linde) — is poignant, uplifting and inspiring. It heads next to festivals around the country.

Wynston Browne, at the “Presumed Incompetent” premiere. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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At 10 a.m. yesterday, a tree toppled. It took down power and cable to 160 homes — and started a brush fire.

The Westport Fire Department extinguished the blaze, but Wilton Road was closed to traffic.

Eversource restored power by 12:30 p.m., and the road was reopened.

(Photo/Steve Stein)

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Marriage equality for LGBTQ people was not always the law of the land. And the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport was not always a “welcoming congregation.”

The history of the local UU road’s to equality is the subject of a documentary film, “Welcome,” by longtime Westporter Rozanne Gates.

It’s being shown at (of course) the Westport church this Saturday (April 13, 7 p.m.). A discussion (and refreshments) will follow.

The showing is free, and the public is welcome.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

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The Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president campaign will be at Sherwood Island State Park this Saturday (April 13), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They’ll be collecting signatures, to get him on the Connecticut ballot in November. 12,000 are needed.

Click here for more details.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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This week’s Jazz at the Post features saxophonists Dayna Stephens and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi,” in a tribute to the “two tenor sax front line” legacy.

Accompanying them are guitarist Kenny Wessel, bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Tim Horner.

There are 2 shows this Thursday, at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15 for veterans and students). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Longtime Westport resident George Erickson died peacefully at home on April 3. He was 86.

The Pelham, New York native earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Colgate University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduation he was an officer in the US Marine Corps, rising to captain.

George married Susan Ostrom in 1960. They moved to Quantico, Virginia, and later Westport.

George discovered a passion for restoring old houses, seeing potential that no one else would tackle. Beginning with a 1789 Federal home in Greens Farms, he then worked on homes in Southport, a summer home in Branford, and finally a Victorian on Mill Hill.

He often volunteered to drive vans for soccer tournaments, Scout camping trips and rides to college. He was almost always on the sidelines of games, concerts and graduation ceremonies, for children and grandchildren.

His career started as a Fuller Brush salesman in Westchester, then led to a marketing position at Glendinning, and ultimately his own direct mail business, Curriculum Resources. Owning his company allowed him the freedom he craved.

In Westport George enjoyed a friendship with Jon Fox (who he met in 7^th grade). He and Susan traveled often. And ever the volunteer and proud Marine, George enjoyed building Memorial Day floats with the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

George is survived by his wife Susan, children Martha and Jonathan, and his grandchildren Guthrie, Aria, Riley, Nell, Mullein, Romy and Faye. He was predeceased by his daughter Kristin.

Donations in his name may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.

George Erickson

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Golf is not really part of our natural world.

But dogs sure are. Which is why this shot fits the bill for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Feel free to add your own caption.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … on this day in 1682, Robert Cavelier de La Salle discovered the mouth of the Mississippi River. He claimed it for France, and named it Louisiana.

(Whether you’re in Westport, Louisiana, Mississippi or anywhere else: If you enjoy “06880,” please consider a tax-deductible donation. We rely on reader support. Click here — and thank you!)

18 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Obituaries, Transportation

Tagged Jazz at the Post, Jesup Green, Parker Harding Plaza, Planning & Zoning Commission, Rozanne Gates, traffic safety, Triple Threat Academy, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, University of Connecticut men's basketball, Wynston Browne

[OPINIONS] 2 Views On Downtown Parking Plans And Process

Posted on April 5, 2024 | 5 comments

The long debate over downtown parking continues.

On Monday, the Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee voted 7-2 against recommending that the full RTM spend $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to redesign Jesup Green, and the nearby Imperial Avenue parking lot.

A week earlier the Planning & Zoning Commission put off their own vote on a plan for those 2 sites, plus Parker Harding Plaza. The P&Z discussion will continue at next Monday’s meeting (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).

Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board and the Conservation Commission have both approved the Jesup Green redesign.

As downtown parking remain stalled, 2 residents offer differing views of the plans.

Downtown Plan Implementation Committee (DPIC) chair Randy Herbertson writes:

Downtown Westport master planning has been underway for more than 30 years — with consistent objectives, countless hours and investment, but little execution.

Here is a deck with pertinent excerpts.

Formed after the 2015 Master Plan exercise, DPIC was created to support town efforts to bring plans finally to fruition, after failed attempts in the 2 previous master planning exercises.

This screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee shows the Parker Harding lot and Saugatuck River.

When I took over as chair of DPIC in 2021, I was tasked with bringing a number of our bigger project visions to life. Springboarding from the 2015 plan, we summarized the vision into 5 key pillars articulated on the website we re-vamped and launched at that time.

As identified, a careful balance must be struck between maintaining the right level of safe, accessible and up-to-code parking with green space for pedestrians, river views, and flood resiliency.

Our decrepit lots have been in need of updating for decades. Our residents (especially those who don’t attend town meetings) have consistently told us they desire better access to our unique downtown riverfront.

But we can’t invent land to perfectly serve the divergent needs of all, including the merchants who want close employee parking, exclusive loading zones and no loss of spaces for customers, as well as the many who provide opinions that are not founded on the expertise we hire professionals to give us.

Our overall master plan does not call for the loss of any parking inventory, and future prospects of a relocated Police Department and possibly a parking deck (if warranted somewhere once we assess the impact of timed parking areas and new lot configurations) will provide even more.

Currently, we just want to complete our “commerce sub-district” with Parker Harding plans, which are now complete.

Due to the heavy pushback on short-term parking inventory loss, the Department of Public Works developed a solution in the only close-in area possible: the top of Jesup. This development area has been in the master plan schematic since April of last year, and was shown in public forums and on the website.

The Jesup Green redesign plan.

The current proposed DPW plan calls for 3 phases — the first 2 to be completed with the Parker Harding work.

When done with just these 2 phases, we will have net zero loss in parking and more green space on Jesup than today, all closer to the river. It will also provide more Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and clustered parking to serve the many library and Levitt events, which was part of the objective on this “culture sub-district” side.

This said, we had ideally hoped to assess this further with holistic planning and public feedback devoted to Jesup and Imperial (funding for which was not approved this week by the RTM Transit Committee, although it still goes to full vote next week.) However, if the cost of progress is moving in phases, we may have to do so.

The whole downtown process marks a new low in delays, many of which are quizzically politically driven and divided.

It’s been 30 years. Isn’t it time to provide a downtown experience that will support real estate values and serve all our residents?

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Toni Simonetti has lived in Westport for nearly 24 years. A retired corporate communications executive and former journalist, she has become “passionately interested in good municipal governance, as the town works through a number of high-stakes projects.”

She writes:

After reviewing the most recent to-and-fro on the town’s uncertain plans to address downtown parking, I am compelled to voice my strong objection to proposed plans for the Jesup Green and adjacent parking areas, and further to express my concern once again for a less-than-transparent process.

I strongly oppose the Jesup plan for the following reason: It will pave over 1/3 of the green space known as Jesup Green. That is a travesty. The town’s Plan of Conservation and Development puts a priority on green space. We are losing green space in Westport at an alarming rate.

I am aware of the counterargument that Phase 2 and Phase 3 will restore the green space lost. However, that is a pipe dream contingent on Westport getting $400 million in capital projects approved (so that the police station is moved out of the Jesup area). There is no guarantee Phase 2 or 3 will ever see the light of day, be approved, or be funded.

Until there is a concrete plan that includes the immediate replacement of green space, the Jesup plan should be rejected.

Second, to pre-empt the expected protestations about lack of transparency claims: The public was not made fully aware of the Jesup Green parking plan until mid-March, when a schematic was first made public for a Planning & Zoning Commission 8-24 hearing.

Trees at the top of Jesup Green. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

Here is the tick-tock:

In October 2023, the P&Z expressed reservations about Parker Harding parking plans, citing among other things a lack of a holistic plan for downtown parking in general, and at Jesup and Imperial lots.

On January 12, 2024 — unbeknownst to the public — 2 town agencies acted in accord to write up appropriations requests for studies:

Fire/Emergency Medical Service to study proposals for a new joint headquarters with the Police Department and
Public Works design appropriation to pave 1/3 of Jesup Green into 44 parking spots, and modify parking spaces at the Imperial lot.

On January 17, the public got its first cryptic glimpse that the town would pave over 1/3 of Jesup Green when the chair of the Board of Finance issued its agenda for its Feb. 7 meeting, with items #8 and #9 as follows:

Upon the request of the Fire Department Deputy Chief, to approve an appropriation of $110,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Fund Account 31502220-500188 for work to update and merge FD conceptual plans to include PD and EMS in a new concept analysis for a Joint Public Safety Facility.

Upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation of $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund 51003310-500189-13012 for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Lot.

On February 7, both agenda items were withdrawn from the Board of Finance meeting. It seems the items were a surprise to more than just myself.

On February 8, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, the hardworking appointed body charged with all things downtown, held an in-person-only meeting at 8:30 a.m., which I attended and at which no detailed information was given on the Jesup Green plan other than additional parking was being considered.

Members of the public, and even a member of the DPIC who is also on the RTM, expressed surprise by the sudden appropriation requests that appeared out of nowhere. We all had a lot of questions. The answers pointed to one person who was not there: the first selectwoman.

On March 6, the BOF reviewed these items and approved the appropriations. There was no specific detail or schematic posted or presented in the BOF meeting packet on where the additional parking would go. A specific plan was not shared, though some questions were answered verbally,

The Jesup schematic plan was drawn Feb. 15, but was not made public until posted in mid-March as part of Planning and Zoning’s March 24 meeting process.

On March 14, DPIC again held an in-person-only meeting, which I was not able to attend. There is no specific Jesup Green parking plan posted in conjunction with the meeting.

On March 24, the P&Z heard 8-24 requests for Jesup Green and Parker Harding. Though much has been publicized on Parker Harding Plaza, this was the first real look at what was planned for Jesup Green.

Redesign plan for Parker Harding Plaza. The Saugatuck River is at the bottom; backs of Main Street stores are at the top.

I believe once the public comprehends the paving plan for Jesup Green, they will be outraged. The P&Z did the right thing by continuing the matter to April 8 – at which time I suggest they issue a negative 8-24 report.

I live on Evergreen Parkway in RTM District 9, in what I consider a downtown neighborhood. I love the location of my home because I can – and do — walk downtown to shop, dine and recreate.

There is much ado about parking, but it’s not a problem for us (though I empathize with downtown merchants and support their stance).

This is a walkable town and one big reason why I choose to live here. I walk my dog Max nearly every day past Town Hall, along Main Street, through Parker Harding Plaza and along the river, then across the Post Road down the Riverwalk around the Library and Levitt Pavilion over to the Imperial lot and up Imperial, back over to my neighborhood. Sometimes Max detours us over to the Winslow dog park on our way home.

My Westport is a walkable Westport. Please preserve our green space.

(“06880” regularly offers a forum for residents to express their views. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

Tagged Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, Imperial Avenue parking lot, Jesup Green, Parker Harding Plaza, Planning & Zoning Commission, Randy Herbertson, Toni Simonetti, Westport Representative Town Meeting

Roundup: Jimmy Pitaro, Cell Tower, Tommy …

Posted on April 2, 2024 | 4 comments

StartUp Westport — our town’s public/private tech entrepreneurship venture — is all about innovation.

So it’s no surprise they’ve chosen an innovative selection as their first-ever “Innovator of the Year” awardee.

Jimmy Pitaro — chair of ESPN — will be honored on April 30, at the Westport Library.

The award will go each year to “a member of the greater Westport community whose work exemplifies the ability to embrace opportunities, forward looking ideas or technologies that shape the future for the betterment of the lives of others.”

ESPN sports personality Mike Greenberg — a fellow Westport resident — will interview Pitaro on his accomplishments during the ceremony.

“ESPN brings joy and excitement into the homes of hundreds of millions of people around the globe every day,” says Startup Westport president Cliff Sirlin. Jimmy’s dynamic leadership and groundbreaking initiatives make him a worthy recipient.”

Pitaro has led ESPN with strategic advancements and innovative concepts. He has overseen great growth in the network’s digital and social presence, along with audience expansion, diverse storytelling and community engagement.

Proceeds from the event benefit The Westport Library. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jimmy Pitaro, at ESPN headquarters. (Photo/Joe Faraoni)

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After several years of controversy, construction on the cell tower at 92 Greens Farms Road began last summer.

Yesterday, the antenna was installed.

(Photo/John Richers)

That’s good news for cell phone users, in what has been a dead zone.

And bad news for residents who worried about the scenery, just yards from Hillspoint Road, I-95 and the railroad tracks.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 8, 7 p.m.; Zoom [click here for the link]; http://www.Westportct.gov; Optimum Channel 79; Frontier Channel 6020) includes these items:

8-24 request from the 1st Selectwoman to “expand the parking adjacent to Jesup Green and to transform the Parker Harding parking lot layout, resulting in a net parking increase, and to add Public Waterfront Access to the Saugatuck River on Town-owned property in the Business Center District/Village District Overlay Zone/Westport Center.”
Request from Longshore Hospitality for “substantial improvements to the Inn at Longshore.”
Request for a 2-lot subdivision of property at 50 Sylvan Road South.

The most recent plan for Jesup Green shows increased parking at the east end (right), and more green space on the west (left).

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Like many boomers, Ellen Botwin remembers “Tommy”: The Who’s 1969 rock opera, and album, and the film 6 years later (with, perhaps most memorably, Tina Turner as the Acid Queen).

Unlike most boomers, the 1974 Staples High School graduate is involved in the Broadway revival, which opened Thursday.

She and her husband, Howard Ignal, are co-producers.

According to Next Avenue, that means traveling often to New York. She “attends readings, meets the cast, sits in on rehearsal and more. Botwin is often called to Zoom meetings with the lead producer, fellow investors and co-producers, directors and actors to discuss marketing and social media, casting and promotional activities, among other topics.”

That sounds like a lot. But she and Ignal are also co-producers of “Cabaret,” opening this month in a very crowded Broadway season.

They are not their first ventures. They invested previously in “Merrily We Roll Along,” among others.

And they’re already looking ahead, to the Holocaust-themed “Here There are Blueberries.”

Unlike the eponymous protagonist of Pete Townshend’s show, Botwin is neither deaf, dumb, nor blind. For Next Avenue’s full story on Botwin’s Broadway efforts, click here. (Hat tip: David Abrams)

Ellen Botwin and Howard Ignal, at the opening of “Funny Girl.” (Photo courtesy of Next Avenue)

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Speaking of entertainment: Noted film critic and longtime Westporter Susan Granger is the guest of Staples’ Film Club at Toquet Hall tomorrow (Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m.).

And everyone in town is invited.

Granger will be part of a panel, then answer questions from the audience.

Unlike at movie theaters, there are free refreshments too.

Susan Granger

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Westport-based Oi tape — which offers mouth tape for sleepers — has launched a new non-vented product.

Mark Nordstrom started the company, with his daughter Natalia. He says:

“Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the US. The American Heart Association has named quality sleep as one of only 4 behavior changes we can make to improve heart health.

“Quality sleep is closely related to our breathing practices. Mouth-taping is often used at bedtime to reduce mouth-breathing and promote nose-breathing. We should breathe through our nose and eat with our mouth.

“Nose breathing reduces snoring, eliminates waking due to dry mouth, and increases oxygen in our blood streams. t also helps stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system to reduce anxiety.

“While sleeping with mouth tape may not be for everyone, mouth taping can be used in a variety of situations to promote healthy nasal breathing — while driving, on extended walks, working on the computer, reading a book, etc.

“Proper breathing leads to heart health and other physical benefits we forfeit when we breathe through our mouths.”

Click here to learn more about Oi’s mouth strips. (The name stands for “optimal intake.”

Oi’s non-vented mouth tape.

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This Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 4, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; food service from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students) is a family affair.

Guitarist Rale Micic is a VFW favorite. He’s joined by jazz singer Alma Micic.

Also on the bill: bassist Peter Slavov, drummer Jason Tiemann, and — filling in for Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, saxophonist Eric Alexander.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Former Westporter Herbert Nachman, of Townsend, Tennessee, died peacefully with his loved ones at his side last Thursday. He was 93.

The Augusta, Georgia native earned a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina. He was active in student publications and his fraternity. He served in the Korean War as a 2nd lieutenant, and was a retired Air Force Reserves major.

Herb’s early career was in printing and advertising in New York. He then worked as a healthcare communication specialist, serving national pharmaceutical companies.

Herb retired to Townsend in 2000. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, advised small companies on business plans for SCORE of Knoxville, and was a docent at the Heritage Center and a member of the Blount County Community Action Committee.

He was active in the Unitarian Movement his entire life serving in many leadership positions in various churches. He was a founding member of Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Herb enjoyed skiing, tennis, the gym and travel. Hiss favorite hobby was cooking, especially baking homemade bread and pizza dough. He especially enjoyed making gourmet meals.

Herb was predeceased by his daughter Katherine and son David (Martha). He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Serene White (Jai) and Claire Brooks (Wade), grandchildren Kiera Nachman-Kent (Troy), Billy Nachman (Julie), Victoria Nachman Pearson (Dylan) and Sydney Flax, and 4 great grand children.

A memorial service will be held in Maryville, Tennessee. The date will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Herb’s name can be made to Meals on Wheels or Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center.

Herb Nachman

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As of yesterday, dogs are banned from Compo Beach until September 30.

No word on cockatoos, though.

Karen Como spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject near the pavilion.

And the much duller (but more numerous) gulls.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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And finally … (see story above): “Tommy, can you hear me?”

Yes!

(“Who” will support “06880”? You, we hope! Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to our hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Library, Local politics, Obituaries

Tagged 92 Greens Farms Road, Ellen Botwin, Herb Nachman, Jazz at the Post, Jesup Green parking lot, Jimmy Pitaro, Oi Tape, Parker Harding Plaza, Planning & Zoning Commission, Startup Westport

Latest Downtown Plan: 3-Story Deck On Parker Harding

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 39 comments

First came the Parker Harding Plaza redesign. Merchants and shoppers howled at the loss of 44 parking spaces.

Then came the solution: adding those spots at Jesup Green. Residents howled at the loss of several century-old trees.

This week, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will unveil its latest concept: a 3-story parking deck, covering virtually all of Parker Harding Plaza.

“I’m not sure why this hasn’t been proposed before,” says DPIC chair Randy Herbertson.

“The Baldwin lot (behind Brooks Corner) was considered for decking, but it was renovated last year without a structure.

The latest proposal: a 3-story parking structure for Parker Harding.

“Parker Harding is probably a better site. It’s even closer to Main Street. There are entrances and exits at both ends.

“And we not only won’t lose river views — we’ll gain them, by putting a park on top of the parking garage. There will be walkways, benches, trees and flowers. People could even fish from there.”

The park would cover the entire area of the parking structure.

Herbertson says that although some spaces would be lost on the lowest level due to reconfiguration to meet federal Department of Transportation and Americans with Disabilities Act standards, the entire 3-story parking lot would have “650 to 750” parking spots.

That would be enough to solve the entire downtown problem, he says — without removing a single tree from Jesup Green.

Click here to see architectural renderings of the plan.

39 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics

Tagged Jesup Green, Parker Harding Plaza, Randy Herbertson, Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee

[OPINION] Plan Needed Before Jesup Parking Proceeds

Posted on March 22, 2024 | 24 comments

Jesup Green — specifically, plans for converting 20% of it (near the police station) into 44 parking spaces — is the first agenda item at Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (March 25, 7 p.m., Zoom).

The intent of the Jesup part of the plan to be presented by Department of Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich on Monday is to relocate the parking spaces lost to the proposed redesigned Parker Harding Plaza, to the upper portion of Jesup Green. The plan includes removing 3 healthy mature pine trees, and relocating several other trees.

Three pine trees at the upper part of Jesup Green would be removed, under a proposed parking lot plan. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

Ultimately, the town intends to create another plan for the parking spaces currently located on lower Jesup (known as the Taylor lot). The concept for that plan is to move the Taylor lot parking away from the Saugatuck River, toward the green. Funding for that plan has not yet been approved by the Representative Town Meeting.

The new Jesup Green spaces would alleviate parking when Parker Harding is closed for renovation, and make up for spaces lost after the redesign is completed. It would also provide parking for downtown employees.

In August 2020 — amid widespread power outages due to Hurricane Isaias, and during the pandemic — Westporters observed social distancing on Jesup Green, to access the Library’s Wi-Fi.

RTM member Jennifer Johnson — whose district includes downtown — believes that the town needs completed plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green before any decision to is made to alter Jesup Green. She writes:

The RTM has not approved funding for design yet.

The RTM Transit Committee — which has jurisdiction over parking — has not approved the plan to convert 20% of Jesup Green into parking.

Jesup Green is our town green. Yes, we occasionally use Veteran’s Green, but there’s something far more special about Jesup. We should keeping it as open space, in addition to the view of the water.

The Green is where we mark important town events together. Who could ever forget the day when the town gathered to honor the Westport Little League World champions?

Jesup Green ceremony honoring the 2013 Little League World Series finalists. (Photo/Jeb Backus)

The Green is where kids can run without falling into the river.

I think the town needs an overall plan — plus a sense of the total cost — before Jesup Green is ripped up for more concrete (and trees taken out).

I fear “interim” could become permanent if we run out of funding trying to complete other capital projects first.

(Click here for the link to Monday’s P&Z meeting. It is also available on Optimum Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020).

24 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

Tagged Jennifer Johnson, Jesup Green, Parker Harding Plaza, Taylor parking lot, Westport Representative Town Meeting

[OPINION] Store Owners Offers Considerations For Downtown Parking

Posted on March 8, 2024 | 30 comments

Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton says, “when I speak to people in my store, most are not aware that redoing the Parker Harding lot will cause us to lose 45 parking spaces, in an already parking supply-challenged area.”

Prior to the Board of Finance meeting this week, at which members approved $630,000 to redesign the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, she emailed members. Annette said:

I am proud to be a Westport resident and business owner. Downtown is one of the jewels of Westport, and should be cherished and not taken for granted.

That said, our downtown is in a precarious position. None of the people behind this request are retailers, and therefore may not truly understand the impact and inner workings of the redevelopment.

Site plan for Jesup Green parking area. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

The parking situation has long been a challenge. With increased population comes space constraints and congestion. Aside from the parking dilemma, downtown brick and mortar retailers face fierce competition from online shopping. These are threatening the viability of downtown businesses.

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, with the director of Public Works, agreed to add parking spaces at Jesup and Imperial, after much opposition, in an attempt to make up for the 45 spaces that will be lost with the redesign of Parker Harding parking lot.

I believe caveats should be put in place prior to approval. This ask is only the first phase for what will ultimately be the redesign of the Parker Harding lot, in which 45 parking spaces will be lost.

There should be signs should be placed downtown to inform drivers so they know where additional parking can be found.
There should be signs to indicate fines if drivers exceed the 3-hour minimum.
DPIC plans to put in underground scanners at Parker Harding to fine drivers if they exceed the 3 hour time limit. I believe the funds should be used to invest in technology in the form of a parking app, and eliminate the 3 hours limitation as it will hurt businesses.

As the vice president of the Westport Downtown Association, I support the use of metered parking, and am in favor of the WDA managing it to relieve the burden from the town. Please note that the WDA already manages the refuse program downtown, and funds are used for beautification and downtown events.

The logistics of the metered parking maintenance arrangement between the WDA and town should be discussed. Every major downtown has parking in place using a mobile app: Fairfield, New Canaan, Greenwich, Bronxville and Larchmont to name a few.

Finally, I am not in favor of limiting parking to 3 hours. This is a deterrent for shoppers and diners. Dining in a restaurant takes 2.5 hours. When shopping is factored in, that’s well in excess of 3 hours. It’s unrealistic expectations.

It is important that retailers be engaged in these crucial decisions. Their input is critical to keep businesses from moving away from Westport. Thank you for your time and consideration.

30 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, Local politics

Tagged Annette Norton, Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, Jesup Green parking lot, Parker Harding Plaza, Savvy + Grace, Westport Downtown Association

Roundup: Jesup Lot Parking Plan, Dunville’s Update, Parks & Rec Registration …

Posted on February 22, 2024 | 16 comments

Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking plans are moving forward.

On March 6 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Flood & Erosion Control Board meets to consider the 2 riverside lots.

Forty-two additional spots are proposed for the Jesup Green (lower Westport Library) parking area. Work includes restriping, minor grading, the removal and relocation of some trees, and a new retaining wall.

The new spaces will replace those lost in the Parker Harding renovation, as it is brought into compliance with ADA and safety standards.

The site plan is below. For a larger version, and other material related to the Jesup and Parker Harding lot project, click here.

Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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After Tuesday’s “06880” Roundup report that Dunville’s closed suddenly last week, several readers noted that the Riverside Avenue’s Facebook page said: “Hi everybody, we’ll be closed for a little spring cleaning and then some vacation until Friday, March 1st. BRB!”

The post was accompanied by a photo of a Jimmy Buffett-style beach scene.

Usually, owners howl directly when I get something wrong. I reached out to Dunville’s owner before posting the story, but still have not heard back from him, or any representative.

Meanwhile, rumors are rampant in town that the popular, 40-year-old bar has been, or will be, bought by Little Pub.

I contacted the Little Pub owner for comment, but also did not hear back.

Dunville’s

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Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs are now viewable online (click here).

There are 2 online registration dates.

Tuesday, March 5 (9 a.m.) if for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.

Wednesday, March 6 (9 a.m.) is for all other spring and summer programs. Registration also continues for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.

If a program is full, names can be added to the waitlist. There is no charge at that time.

Parents should click here to access their account.

Log into your profile and choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. This brings you to the “My Family Members” page. Click on the first name in the column. In “Family Member Information,” verify date of birth, and make sure that children’s grades are correct (it is the grade going into as of September 2024). Hit “Save” at the bottom. Complete the process for every family member.

For address changes, email recreation@westportct.gov. Problems? Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Sons of the American Legion Squadron 63 have elected Andrew Colabella as squadron commander, and Mark Shornick as treasurer.

Both honor the legacy of family military service. All male descendants of US veterans who served honorably are eligible for membership,

Sons of The American Legion Squadron 63 is part of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Riverside Avenue.

Mark Shornick and Andrew Colabella, at their Sons of American Legion Squadron 63 swearing-in.

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Want to be the next Stephen Sondheim?

You may not write “West Side Story,” “Gypsy” or “Into the Woods.” But — if you are at least 20 years old — you can do what Sondheim did when he was at Williams College: become a Westport Country Playhouse intern.

Applications are open through March 8 for the Joanne Woodward Internship Program. Interns work closely with Playhouse staff each summer — as they’ve done ever since the 1940s.

Opportunities are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and community engagement. Interns also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including Playhouse staffers, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.

This year’s program runs from May 28 through July 31. The stipend is $630 per week. Housing is provided, if needed. For more information and to apply, click here.

Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 14 and 21.

A man was arrested for unlawful restraint, following an investigation into a domestic abuse complaint.

A man was arrested for threatening, after a complaint that the 18-year-old would kill his former partner.

Police also issued these citations:

Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 complaints
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey stop signs: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to remove snow/ice from roof: 1
Improper use of markers: 2
Failure to comply with dog ownership requirements: 1
Permitting a dog to roam at large: 1
School zone violation: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1

So cute! But you can’t let dogs roam! (Photo/Helen Martin)

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Maple syrup season is near.

And Dasha Horton, Natalie Glidden and Sean Fitzpatrick are ready.

On February 24 and March 2 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), they’ll talk about tapping and producing syrup, answer questions about how to tap trees at home, and show off WTF’s homestead-sized evaporator.

They’re all-weather farmers. Soo they’ll also answer questions about summer gardens.

The Maple Sugaring Days are free; go any time during the 2 sessions.

People of all ages love maple syrup — and making it.

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David Waldman discussed local real estate, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch.

The lifelong Westport, and founder and president of David Adam Realty, addressed 2 controversial projects: Glendinning Place, and Parker Harding .

David Waldman, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Hark! A hawk!

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this “Westport … Naturally” beauty at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Jimmy Van Eaton, Jerry Lee Lewis’ pounding drummer on “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” died earlier this month in Alabama, of kidney complications. He was 86.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Goodness gracious! Come along baby! Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you kindly.)

16 Comments

Posted in Children, Downtown, Local politics, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged Andrew Colabella, David Waldman, Flood & Erosion Control Board, Jesup Green parking lot, Parker Harding Plaza, Parks & Recreation Department, Sons of American Legion Squadron 63, Wakeman Town Farm, Westport Rotary Club

(Un)civil Discourse: Enough Is Enough

Posted on January 19, 2024 | 39 comments

As temperatures plunge, Westporters’ tempers rise.

Well, that’s not exactly true. They’ve been at a boiling point for months.

Enough is enough.

A pair of controversies — the Parker Harding Plaza renovation, and construction of a new Long Lots School — have evoked passionate responses by residents, on all sides of the many-pronged issues.

Plus plenty of anger, nastiness and personal attacks.

For nearly 15 years, the “06880” Comments section has been a place to share opinions, insights and ideas.

From time to time, it becomes a place of incivility, even venom.

This is one of those times.

Again: Enough is enough.

An elementary school reconstruction plan sparks fierce debate.

It’s fine — crucial, in fact — for Westporters to offer their 2 cents. We need to hear what our neighbors, friends and fellow taxpayers think.

It’s not fine to attack them, impugn their motives, and call them names. It’s certainly not fine to swear at, or about, them.

These are, after all, our neighbors, friends and fellow taxpayers.

Some are just like us: sitting on the sidelines, watching the world of Westport go by.

Some have taken the bold step of volunteering for public service, devoting hundreds of hours to do what they can to help our town.

It’s mind-numbing to watch some of their meetings. It’s mind-boggling to think that’s only part of what they do, for no pay.

And not only no thanks, but volumes of vitriol.

Long Lots School Building Committee members are volunteers.

Even those public servants who get paid — the 1st selectwoman and heads of departments, for example — are human beings. They have feelings and families, just like all the keyboard warriors.

I’ve said it before, in this post and in the past. Now I have to say it again: Enough is enough.

We tell our kids to stop bullying. We lament the polarized state of our nation.

So let’s start modeling the behavior we want. Actions speak louder than angry words.

It’s time to reiterate rules that I’ve made in the past (and unfortunately, as the sometimes overwhelmed Comments moderator, not always followed): No personal, ad hominem attacks.

No accusations of nefarious activity.

No swearing.

Before commenting — or at least, hitting “submit” — ask yourself: Is this really the way I want people to think of me?

Is this something I would be comfortable saying in front of my kids — or hearing them say?

If I heard someone else say it in a public meeting, at the supermarket, or in church or synagogue, what would I think?