1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced last week that “in coordination with the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, discussion and reviews scheduled for town boards, committees and commissions in the upcoming weeks regarding the current proposal for the reconfiguration of the Parker Harding Plaza Parking Lot will be postponed.”
Still, last night’s Flood & Erosion Control Board agenda noted that town engineer Keith Wilberg would discuss plans to “revise the existing roadway and parking lot, build sidewalks, a riverfront boardwalk, and park areas, and to relocate trash and recycling dumpsters.”
John McCarthy reports that the board was told last night that the town pulled the Parker Harding application. However, a new application would be back, “possibly as early as September.”
Tomorrow (Friday, July 7, 10 a.m.), the Tree Board will hold a special meeting — at Parker Harding — to “observe and note the site and conditions of the trees” there.
The Tree Board will observe conditions at Parker Harding Plaza.
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Temperatures in the 90s — combined with humidity and smoke from Canadian wildfires — will make today very uncomfortable. Vulnerable populations will be especially affected.
It will moderate only slightly tomorrow.
Signs of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, adults 65 and older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
For someone experiencing heat-related illness: Move to a cool place, drink water, place cold cloths on the body and seek medical attention. For additional safety tips and information, click here.
The Westport Fire Department advises:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Avoid excessive caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
- Seek shade and limit outdoor activities: Take breaks, pace yourself, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on vulnerable people: Monitor the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions. Ensure access to a cool environment.
Several cooling centers will be today and tomorrow:
- Westport Weston YMCA (5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.), with showers.
- MoCa Westport (noon to 4 p.m.).
- Senior Center (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- Westport Library (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
MoCA Westport is a cool cooling center, in more ways than one.
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Westport Police made one custodial arrest between June 28 and July 5. A woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1-car crash at Canal Park on Kings Highway North.
Westport Police also issued the following citations:
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
- Speeding: 1
- Distracted driving: 1
- Improper passing: 1
- Failure to yield right of way: 1
- Driving with a foreign license after 30 days: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Violation of license class: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
- Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
One driver was cited for improper passing. This is not a view of the actual offense.
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The original opening date for Tacombi was December 2022.
Seven months later, nada.
But it looks like the first margarita may be poured soon.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Danny Meyer’s restaurant — which is expanding beyond Manhattan and Brooklyn — takes over the former AJ Farm Stand.
The website calls Tacombi “a Mexican company founded on the soft sands of the Yucatan … focused on sharing authentic taco culture. Our taqueros proudly work every day to preserve and share Mexico’s culinary traditions — and we do it sustainably with wholesome, simple ingredients free of antibiotics, hormones, genetic modification or artificial additives & preservatives.”
Bartaco, Border Grille, Mexica, Mexicue, Salsa Fresca, Viva Zapata: Say ¡bienvenido!
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Westport is not the only area town with a storied arts history.
This Sunday (July 9, 1 to 4 p.m., Weston History & Culture Center) marks the opening of a new exhibit.
“Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted & Sculpted” tells the story of influential artists between 1919-1965, and their connection to both the locals and locale of Weston.
It includes pieces on loan from the Friends of the James Daugherty Foundation, the Jenny Moore Collection, Westport Public Art Collection, Weston Public Library, Wilton Historical Society and WHCC’s collection.
Admission is free for WHCC members; non-members pay $5 (adults), $3 (children). If you mention the “CT Summer at the Museum” program at check-in, Connecticut children and one accompanying state resident adult can visit free.
The exhibit runs until February 25, 2024. The museum is open every Sunday and Thursday, from 1 to 4 p.m.
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Speaking of the arts; Ellen Ehli is the Westport Book Shop’s featured artist for July. She’ll exhibit original multi-media paintings on paper and canvas.
Ehli is a self-taught abstract artist. Working with acrylic paints, pastes, oil pastels and other mixed media, she explores texture and depth to create one-of-a-kind works. She describes her style as “retro inspired organic shapes combined with a harmonious palette.”
All pieces are available for purchase. For more of her art, click here.
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Jeffrey Hatcher — creator of the new Westport Country Playhouse adaptation of “Dial M for Murder — is the guest at a Sunday Symposium, following the July 16 3 p.m.
He’ll discuss how he re-thought the classic tale of blackmail and revenge.
The event will be moderated by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director, who also directs the production.
The Symposium program is free and open to the public. No performance ticket is necessary. It begins immediately after the show, at approximately 5 p.m. Click here for more information on the show, including tickets.
Jeffrey Hatcher
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Connecticut’s General Assembly did not pass any housing bills in the session that ended last month.
But legislation involving “fair share” and “transit-oriented” development could be introduced again next year.
The Connecticut Mirror explores what did not pass and why — and what the future holds — in a long story today. Click here to read.
Transit-oriented design proposals could affect properties near the Westport train station.
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VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 celebrates summer — and our veterans – with a BBQ.
The menu for the July 22 event (1 to 5 p.m.) includes smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, chili, cole slaw and corn.
All veterans — and everyone else — is invited.
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Matt Murray wins the Caption of the Year contest for this photo:
“Dog is my co-pilot.”
Mic drop!
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Rainy weather may have put a damper on holiday plans.
But they’ve been great for fungi.
And they’re a fantastic subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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And finally … in honor of that fine fungus in the photo above:
