The Town of Westport has filed another 8-24 site plan for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
This one does not include a community garden.
That controversial element caused concern at last month’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Commissioners liked the plans presented. But the 8-24 (proposal for municipal land use) they were considering had been approved in January of 2024, with a relocated garden at an unspecified site on the 13 Hyde Lane property.
Town officials later decided to move the gardens to another, not-yet-determined location, off school grounds. Because the 8-24 still included a garden, P&Z members asked for a revised 8-24.
That was filed with the Planning & Zoning Department on Friday, and received today.
Most recent architectural plans, submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department.
The new “special permit & site plan” — applied for officially by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — calls for “construction of a new 127,945 sf elementary school, a 250 space parking lot, dedicated parent drop off and bus lanes, (2) multipurpose natural turf athletic fields, (2) playgrounds, a basketball court, a paved play area and all associated site and utility construction.”
The parking lot would increase from the current 196 spots.
The initial 8-24 plan — filed over 2 years ago — did not include the garden. It showed a baseball diamond where the garden had been located for 20 years, on the southern edge of the property.
The revised 8-24, submitted in January of 2024, had the garden back, but at an unspecified location. A multipurpose athletic field replaced the baseball diamond.
The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss the new 8-24 site plan at an upcoming meeting. It has not yet been added to an agenda.
Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meets tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, review plans with the design team, and hear public comment on agenda items.
Three views of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School.
Toni Simonetti is a longtime advocate for the Westport Community Garden. The other day, she wrote about them on her Substack:
I spotted this drill in the upper field at Long Lots Elementary School on April 30.
Meanwhile, the first selectwoman closed the Westport Community Garden on May 1. It’s now forcibly and shamefully abandoned.
But when will it be bulldozed and otherwise desecrated? I tried to find out when the special permitted land use designation officially changes from “community garden” to construction dumping ground, then to regulation-size soccer pitch.
The garden use at then-11 Hyde Lane (since merged with 13 Hyde Lane) was first established via special permit with unanimous consent of the Planning & Zoning Commission on October 27, 2005 (Resolution #05-071).
Subsequently it was enlarged. A special permitted use as a garden was again approved unanimously on February 11, 2010 (Resolution #10-0001).
My question was simple, yet not one town official I asked could (would?) answer.
The Planning & Zoning chair did not understand my question. The town P&Z director said she lacked the expertise to answer. The town attorney on staff recused herself from garden matters, and referred me to Ira Bloom. Mr. Bloom doesn’t respond to my queries, so I did not even try.
I asked an experienced land use consultant, who was absolutely adamant that no other land use is allowed until such time as the existing use is changed.
Westport Community Garden.
To date, only an 8-24 municipal use report (to include a community garden) has been submitted to, and been approved by, P&Z.
However, an 8-24 does not change the existing land use. In addition, this one includes a garden.
The town must apply for special permitted land use as athletic fields, construction staging, parking, whatever. Then the P&Z must approve it. The town has not yet done so.
Furthermore, I anticipate the town will withdraw the present 8-24 report and submit a new one that excludes any mention of a garden, then must go through the 8-24 process all over again before applying for a new special permit. It has not yet done so.
At its last meeting on the matter — a pre-application for a site plan that did not include a garden — the P&Z made it clear it wants to see concrete plans for an alternate garden site underway before it will approve any new 8-24.
I have implored any number of people to do something on this front. I have offered ideas and plans to explore. I have offered sweat equity to get this done.
So far, crickets.
Garden gone. (Photos/Toni Simonetti)
Perhaps some secret dealings are underway, but the Westport Community Garden chair won’t say. It’s no surprise that I may have been blackballed from any progress; I don’t know.
But still, what’s going on? And why isn’t there an expanded group of invested citizens engaged?
Meanwhile, drills are drilling in preparation for construction of geothermal wells. The school year is winding down. The land use on Tier 1 remains on record as that of a community garden. And gardeners are banned from using the property for one last season of gardening.
I’ll be watching this little parcel until such time as the land use is changed. I bet tomatoes will be ripe on the vine before that happens.
Stay tuned.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
A full house at Town Hall watched Monday, as ROAN Ventures — the developer of the Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/residential/hotel/marina/and more project — showed their latest architectural renderings and traffic studies to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The 90-minute presentation included a number of PowerPoint slides.
The audience — in person, and watching at home — got plenty of information. Much of it went by fairly quickly.
ROAN has shared their deck with “06880.” If you missed a few of the details — or missed the meeting entirely — here some highights.
Parking garage.
Valet parking slide.
Surface parking count.
Parking garage (top) and assorted signage.
Building height (waterfront view), compared to National Hall.
Another slide depicting building heights.
The former Pine Knoll Inn (at the site of today’s Playhouse Square) inspired the design of this building.
Earlier drawing (left) and revised (right) show simplified, more connected buildings, and the addition of a waterfront plaza.
Earlier rendering (left) and revised (right) show broader access to the Saugatuck River.
Before (left) and revised (right) renderings show height changes.
Aerial renderings. Railroad Place is at bottom; Riverside Avenue and Saugatuck River are at right.
Proposed traffic improvements.
Proposed traffic signal upgrades.
(“06880” was the first media outlet to report on The Hamlet project. We’ve followed the story every since. Please click here, to support our ongoing coverage — and everything else we do. Thank you!)
In what may be the most significant change to the Westport Carvel since a giant ice cream cone was removed from the roof 50 years ago, the iconic sign facing Post Road East has been covered up.
The new sign says, generically, “Soft Serve Ice Cream.”
The owner says the cost of renovating the seems-it’s-been-there-forever building, as requested by Carvel, is too high.
Speaking of food: The train has left the Donut Crazy station.
The shop at the eastbound side of the Westport station was served with an eviction notice in January, CT Insider reports. The owner has allegedly not paid rent since last summer. Click here for the full story.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member and several colleagues spent 2 years planting bulbs at the Minute Man monument. Westport will enjoy their work for years to come.
Last year, Andrew planted some the 1,500 bulbs donated by the Parks & Recreation Department in the Compo Beach entrance island.
Now he wants to do the entire entrance strip.
Interested in helping? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
The “06880” panel on youth sports is 2 weeks from today.
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
It’s May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
Topics include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
Dan Woog — hey, that’s me! — will moderate the event, which includes time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
And of course Tommy Greenwald himself.
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Congratulations to 3 environmental winners.
Last week, town officials and Sustainable Westport gave Westport Green Building Awards to these owners, for exemplifying sustainable design and construcction:
17 Maple Grove Avenue (owner Scott Harrington). New construction designed and built as net zero energy. All appliances, heating and cooling systems are electric, and use the photovoltaic roof for power. The insulation exceeds codes. A smart home scheduler minimizes HVAC use by scheduling window shades to follow the path of the sun, and limit heavy electronics usage to only off-peak hours.
1 Hockanum Road (owner Thomas Hensel). Home renovation that integrates a PV system that offsets the residence’s power consumption. After an energy audit audit, the owner added attic insulation, weatherstripping, and mechanical and lighting upgrades. The HVAC system was upgraded to include smart thermostats and duct sealing. Insulation was installed on the hot water piping. Retrofit LED lighting fixtures reduce power consumption while providing the same light levels.
142-150 Main Street, Nômade Restaurant (owners Ciara Webster, Patrick Jean). Renovation and reuse of an existing historic structure; uses renewable energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The roof over the dining terrace features a semi-transparent roof-integrated photovoltaic system. The visibility of the solar panels stimulates the interest of other local business owners and patrons to go solar.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of The Hamlet at its next meeting (May 5, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s just one agenda item. Members will also discuss the plan by Fairfield County Hunt Club to construct an indoor racquets facility, and a request to convert the former Bank of America building at 980 Post Road East into a Montessori School, among other things.
Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board will examine the Hamlet at its next meeting.
The last agenda item for their May 7 meeting (7:30 p.m.; Zoom; meeting ID 823 4909 8338; passcode 954845), is a continuation of the discussion that began April 2.
Part of the proposed Hamlet project, leading to the Saugatuck River.
The Jesup Road restaurant offers regular classes about the classic dish. With wine and tapas thrown in, what’s not to like?
Sal Liccione took part on Monday, and sent this tasty photo:
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Next at Basso: a pizza-making class, this Sunday (May 4, 12:30 p.m.). Click here for details.
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Club203’s magical monthly parties continue.
Up next for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: Dancing with DJ Joe, (and s’mores, a campfire and pizza), under the stars at Earthplace. Click here for more information.
They’re as good as their younger counterparts. In fact, a 5-0 state tournament semifinal win on Sunday vaulted them into the Connecticut State Soccer Championship. It’s set for June 8 (4 p.m., Dillon Stadium, Hartford), vs. Greenwich Pumas.
That was quite a semi. Rangers had been undefeated — and unscored upon — in league play.
The 50-and-over final is the second big soccer event that weekend. The day before (June 7), the US men’s national team meets Turkey in a friendly, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
For some reason, wrong-way drivers on Soundview Drive have become an epidemic.
Residents report alarmingly frequent encounters.
The latest was yesterday:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
Be careful out there!
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Senator Chris Murphy is the keynote speaker at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, at New England’s largest youth legal rights organization’s second annual event.
It’s set for Friday (5:30 p.m.), in Westport. Sponsors include Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder. For more information and to RSVP, email mason.miller@berlinrosen.com.
And finally … today is Walpurgis. In German folklore, tonight (Walpurgisnacht) — May Day eve — is when witches meet on the Brocken mountain, and revel with the Devil.
(There is no need to repent — at least, not if you click here to help support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Danke schön!)
The Parks & Recreation Department oversees 4 beaches*, 21 parks, and 14 athletic fields.
Each one — from the big boys like Winslow and Baron’s South, to teeny Machamux Park and the often-forgotten Burr Farms fields — has its passionate admirers.
And each one could use a bit (or a lot) of improvement.
Westport’s beaches, parks and athletic fields, displayed on an easel at Town Hall.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri took a first step toward understanding what Westporters want last night. He hosted the first Westport Parks Master Plan Community Workshop, at Town Hall.
Fifty residents heard two 2 consultants — BL Companies and Sports Facilities Advisors — discuss their work. They divided attendees into 2 groups, to provide initial input on what works well, what doesn’t, and what they’d like to see.
Westporters offered a wide range of comments. The consultants listened, asked questions, and took plenty of notes.
Still ahead: stakeholder interviews, an online survey, and workshops.
Nothing was decided last night. It won’t be, for a while.
But Barbieri wants Westporters to have their say. He wants to listen.
*Canal Beach on Saugatuck Shores is the one you may never have heard of.
Parks & Rec Erik Barbieri introduces last night’s Master Plan Community Workshop. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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The Hamlet at Saugatuck has spawned nearly as many meetings as it has opinions.
Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will include a discussion on developer ROAN Ventures’ amended presentation. Public comment will follow.
Also ahead: the Conservation Commission on Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) and Flood & Erosion Control Board (May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom).
To view documents, drawings and other material related to The Hamlet, click here, then scroll down.
Speaking of Saugatuck: VFW Post 399 — located just up Riverside Avenue from the proposed Hamlet project — dedicates its new marina this Sunday (April 27).
The 1:05 p.m. start is a nod to the Westport VFW’s 105th anniversary.
Speaking of which: With dredging of the new dock behind VFW Post 399 completed, those boats have made their last trip on the river.
But a new vessel is on the water. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun gathering data, to help with permits for the upcoming (larger, and government-funded) Saugatuck River dredging project.
So — for a while at least — the temporary Cribari Bridge openings will continue.
Army Corps vessel, passing through the Cribari Bridge. (Hat tip and photo/Robbie Guimond)
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As the Compo Beach playground rebuild nears the finish line, organizers want to make sure that everyone who wants to help, can.
Volunteers can now drop in for as much (or as little) time as they can give, today (Friday) or tomorrow. One hour, 2 — or an entire morning or afternoon — if it works for you, it works for them.
And you don’t have to sign up online (though if you want to, click here). You can just stop by the registration desk at the playground. They’ll put you to work.
“Every set of hands makes a huge difference,” they say. “We’re grateful for any time you can give.”
The new Compo Beach playground nears completion. (Drone photo/RB Benson)
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What do high school students think about their unique identity — shaped by race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more — and how that identity contributes to Westport’s character?
And how well do they express those fraught, yet important, ideas?
On Monday (6 p.m., Westport Library), the public gets a chance to hear from students themselves. The winners of TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest will be announced.
They’ll accept their prize checks — and read their essays.
For over a dozen years, the ceremony has offered an inspiring window into the way today’s young people think, and view the world.
And how well they express those views.
If Monday is like many previous years, the answer will be: Very, very well.
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It’s not the biggest issue the Planning & Zoning Commission deals with (see Hamlet story above), but at a recent meeting they voted in favor of extending — for 2 more years — a special permit to allow the continued parking of First Student school buses at Coleytown and Bedford schools.
There seem to be no issues with using those spaces — and more, at the Greens Farms train station. And moving the parking away from Post Road East, behind the Mobil gas station opposite Playhouse Square, used by the previous vendor Dattco, has done wonders for afternoon traffic in that area.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Just added to the Levitt Pavilion summer lineup:
Dark Star Orchestra (July 19). For over 20 years and 3,000 shows, they’ve continued the Grateful Dead’s live concert experience. Each set list is different; each reproduced the legendary band’s style and soundm while offering their own interpretations. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band, with Bhi Bhiman (August 20). Ritter is one of today’s most thought and prolific voices. The New York Times calls him “a linger of serious ideas and high-flown imagery.” Bhiman is also an acclaimed singer/ songwriter. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s Department of Human Services makes sure that all local families can. Each year at this time, they launch season fundraising efforts.
“In today’s economic climate, affordable childcare — especially in summer — is more than a convenience. It’s a necessity,” says director Elaine Daignault.
“Camp programs ensure children have access to safe, enriching experiencesl while allowing parents to maintain employment and financial stability.”
“Camps offer so much more than supervision,” adds youth and family specialist Annette D’Augelli. “It gives kids the chance to form friendships, build confidence, and create cherished memories in a supportive, structured environment. For parents — especially single-parent households — reliable, affordable care during summer break makes it possible to keep their jobs and put food on the table.”
A second program — the Ceremonies & Celebrations Fund — provides gift cards to income-eligible 8th and 12th grade graduates, so that families can mark important achievements with pride. Donations help purchase a graduation outfit, cover the cost of a celebratory meal, or simply allow families to honor their children’s hard work and milestones with dignity.
Click here to donate online, or mail a check to: Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Call 203-341-1050, or email adaugelli@westportct.gov.
Summer camp is important for youngsters — and their working parents. (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)
One of Westport’s most popular traditions, the Minute Man Race — actually, a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and kids’ fun run, plus a Kids’ Zone with games and entertainment — returns this Sunday (April 27, Compo Beach, 8 a.m.).
There are prizes for top finishers in each age category, plus food trucks, beer, a DJ, bounce house and more. Beach stickers are not required.
All net proceeds benefit the Westport Young Woman’s League Grants program. Last year, they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits doing vital work across Fairfield County.
Speaking of outdoor fun: Westport Softball has drafted a big name to throw out the first pitch, at tomorrow’s opening day (Saturday, 9 a.m., Meyer Field, Compo Road North).
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will do the honors, inaugurating the season for more than 130 playrs from pre-K through 8th grade.
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Content Studio has become one of Westport’s premier event spaces.
The Westport Downtown Association gathered there yesterday, for a combination social and informational meeting.
A few dozen businesses heard WDA president Maxx Crowley and his staff describe annual events like the Fine Arts Festival, Westoberfest and Holiday Stroll, and learned how — whatever their products or services — they can be part of the downtown community.
Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, onstage at Content Studio.
The important Australia and New Zealand holiday — honoring military members from those countries who served and died in wars around the world — grew out of the brutal Gallipoli battle, waged in Turkey during World War I.
That campaign is memorialized in one of Australia’s most famous songs. The message is anti-war — but the sacrifice of those soldiers comes through loud and clear.
(From Saugatuck to Australia, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you like our hyper-local coverage — and the way we tie it together globally — please click here to supporto us. Thank you!)
After the recent Zoom-bombing of the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting — an attack that included pornography, Nazi symbols and the video of a beheading — the next meeting will be in person.
It should draw a large crowd.
The P&Z agenda for next Monday (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) is about the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/residential/hotel/marina development.
The public hearing includes input from residents.
A 65-day extension has been granted for this phase of the regulatory process. The final date for a decision is now June 18.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal.
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Another meeting discusses another long-debated project: the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The Building Committee meets tonight (6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A) for a project update. There will be time for public comment.
Three views of a possible new Long Lots Elementary School.
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E-bikes are e-verywhere.
To raise awareness about safety, the Westport Police Department is sponsoring a community forum.
The May 13 event (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will cover rules and regulations (for riders and motorists), street awareness, and tips and resources for all ages. A Q-and-A session will follow.
The evening will feature law enforcement officials and safety director Charles Foster of SCBC Safe Rides.
Class 3 e-bike.
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Speaking of transportation: The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee and Westport Transit District meet jointly tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Westport Library Room 210).
The agenda includes:
A recommendation to the RTM on the 2025-26 budget request for railroad parking, including a discussion of railroad parking permit revenues.
A recommendation to the RTM on the 2025-26 Transit District budget.
A recommendation to the RTM on a supplemental appropriation of $55,000 for transportation services for the elderly, and people with disabilities.
A discussion on expanding Wheels2U service to the Senior Center, Farmers’ Market, and Jesup Green/Westport Library, beginning next month.
Yesterday’s Roundup gave an incorrect location for the memorial to Max Harper.
It’s at the western end of South Beach, near the trees and benches across from Ned Dimes Marina.
It’s a beautiful spot, for a loving tribute.
The Max Harper memorial stone, on Compo’s South Beach. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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There may be no such thing as a free lunch.
But there are free tree saplings.
the Westport Tree Board will give them away this Friday (April 25, 3 to 5 p.m., Town Hall back parking lot).
The gifts are in honor of Arbor Day. There’s one per family — choose from Virginia pine, river birch, red cedar or lilac.
Tree Board sapling giveaway, in 2022.
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A reminder: One of the most inspiring — and fun — galas of the year is this Saturday.
The A Better Chance of Westport Dream Event raises funds for the non-profit that creates educational opportunities, and changes lives, for exceptional young men from less advantaged communities.
As always, the highlight will be speeches from the graduating seniors, and an ABC alum. This year’s returning grad is Yoel Hooper-Antunez. Click here to read his amazing back story.
The Dream Event also includes excellent food and drinks, a silent auction, and a chance to hang with some of the most accomplished young people in town. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The current A Better Chance of Westport scholars.
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Also at the Library: the return of Andrew Wilk’s Medical Series.
The topic for 2025 is oncology. Longtime local internist Dr. Robert Altbaum moderates each of the 4 sessions, and introduces experts.
Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.), Dr. Richard Frank, chief for clinical and translational cancer research at Nuvance Health, describes recent advances in cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted DNA treatment and immunotherapy, and explores the diagnostic, therapeutic and psychological challenges of treating advanced cancer
Dr. Robert Altbaum
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Dylan Robbin knows hoops.
Last week, the Staples High School freshman was featured on the House of Highlights YouTube channel.
The 90-minute segment included a debate between 10 Gen Z sports podcasters and Jermaine Womack, who runs the popular YouTube channel Chill Town Hoops.
At 14, Dylan was the youngest participant by at least a decade.
A clip of his conversation with Womack about whether Steph Curry is the best point guard of all time went viral on Instagram.
Click below to see the full debate. You can follow Dylan on Instagram and TikTok: @drsportstakes.
Frank Rosen is probably the 50th reader to send a photo of the bald eagle that perches regally on the communications tower at the Westport police station.
But he’s the first to realize — without me telling him — that the bird is a wooden fake.
(Photo/Dylan Rosen)
“We killed about 30 minutes in the beautiful sunshine, taking in it’s majestic beauty,” Frank says.
“I waited so long for it to fly away — only to realize it’s not real.”
No one else who sent similar images to “06880” over the past month realized — until I told them — that the reason the eagle stood so still for their photo is because it never moves.
Reactions range from laughter to anger. Most common, though, is embarrassment.
To whoever placed America’s national bird atop the tower: well played.
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A new guest has been added to CT Against Gun Violence’s annual spring benefit “Be the Hope” luncheon (May 15, 11:30 a.m., The Inn at Longshore).
The headline speaker is Rob Wilcox, former deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
He’ll join Sandy Hook youth activist Matthew Holden, who will discuss his work. Click here for tickets.
The new Long Lots Elementary School will look nothing like the old one.
That was one takeaway from Thursday night’s “reveal.”
More than 2 dozen residents jammed a Town Hall conference room, to watch the Planning & Zoning Commission examine the Long Lots School Building Committee’s plan for 127,000-square foot, $100 million structure. It would be built approximately where the current upper baseball diamond lies.
Planning & Zoning Commission and Long Lots School Building Committee members meet at the conference table, as spectators fill the Town Hall room. (Photo/Toni Simonetti)
Among the features: peaked New England-style roofs, a stream near the entrance, and a courtyard.
Three views (from top): from the east (Hyde Lane), south and north.
What’s missing is a site for the new gardens, which would be displaced by a new athletic field. Without that — promised in the previous 8-24 plan — P&Z approval is in doubt.
A site for the gardens could ultimately be found on the Hyde Lane property, which also includes parking. If there is a new garden site elsewhere, a revised 8-24 may be required.
The proposed new school. From the left (south) to the right (north): athletic field, parking, school, lower athletic fields. Hyde Lane is at the bottom (east).
The courtyard (shown above) is envisioned as a place for outdoor classes and other gatherings. It will also provide natural light for the building.
(“06880” reports regularly on education, town politics, their intersection, and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Thousands of drivers on the Sherwood Island Connector have been stunned at the extent and speed of clear-cutting around the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
Residents of the area — especially around Hillandale Road — are horrified. They wonder what will happen now that dozens of noise-shielding trees are gone.
One view, with the Sherwood Island Connector on the left …
The work occurred quickly, soon after permission was granted to construct a new building at the site.
Former Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin notes: “Sadly, state owned land is not subject to local zoning laws in Connecticut. The state is immune from following local zoning laws, and often does not notify the town of work.
“Connecticut communities really only exercise control over town-owned land. The state can do anything it wants essentially with this lot — and all the train parking lots too.”
… and another, from Hillandale Road. (Photos/Matt Snow)
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In June of 2021, years of controversy and lawsuits ended when — after long negotiations between the Planning & Zoning Commission, the developer and neighbors — the P&Z voted 5-0 to allow an apartment complex between Lincoln and Cross Streets, off Post Road West.
The proposed 6-story, 81-unit development was scaled back to 68 units. It was redesigned almost completely, eliminating a section that would tower over homes on Riverside Avenue. Fire safety and parking concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of Westport’s fire marshal.
And the developer would include 30% affordable housing.
But for nearly 4 years — after dilapidated housing was torn down — the land stood vacant.
Finally — following a change in ownership — the project has begun.
Enough new residents have come to town — and enough older ones have forgotten about the controversy — that almost daily, someone emails “06880” wondering about the construction.
The first element to go up — elevator shafts — made it look particularly spooky.
Lighthouse Living — the developer — did not respond to repeated emailed requests for comment.
Reached by phone, a representative in the leasing department said there would be studios, and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. She thinks occupancy is about a year away.
Apartment construction, from Post Road West. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of new developments: After hackers disrupted, and ultimately canceled, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, there was talk that the Hamlet at Saugatuck application — next on the agenda — would be added to the P&Z’s next session.
But the agenda for that meeting (April 21, 6 p.m., virtual at www.westportct.gov), does not include the controversial project.
Commissioners will discuss an indoor racquet sport facility at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, a modification of the site plan for 785 Post Road East (behind New Country Toyota), and an application to continue parking school buses for 2 more years at Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and Bedford Middle School.
The P&Z had already planned for public input into the Hamlet proposal at its April 28 meeting. That agenda has not yet been published.
And the Hamlet will be discussed at the Architectural Review Board meeting. It’s set for April 22 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Speaking still of developments: The land proposed for Summit Saugatuck’s new 157-unit housing complex on Hiawatha Lane Extension was clear-cut yesterday.
Carolanne Curry — a longtime opponent, and founder of the Save Our Saugatuck group that battled unsuccessfully against the development for nearly a decade — says, “There was no notice from anyone, or the town, that action has begun again.”
Cleared land, on Hiawatha Lane Extension. (Photo/Carolanne Curry)
Those are 2 products he can’t get anywhere else in the world. And they’ll be hit hard, if President Trump follows through on his threatened tariffs.
Yesterday, he entire country — at least, those who listen to NPR’s “Morning Edition” — heard the Westport native, and 2nd-generation CEO of the eponymous tri-state grocery store chain, discuss the impact of tariffs on his customers, his employees, and Stew Leonard’s’ bottom line.
Stew Leonard Jr. (Photo courtesy/Westchester Magazine)
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The first of 3 public workshops for the Westport Parks Master Plan is set for April 24 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Residents can meet the consultants, learn more about the planning process, and offer feedback.
The presentation will be available within a week, on the Parks & Recreation Department website. Additional workshops will be held in the summer and fall.
The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Paris.”
The “fierce, funny and subtle look at working-class America” is set for Monday, (April 14, 7 p.m.).
Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator Mark Shanahan calls it “a powerful, beautifully written play about the deep need to be seen, tackling issues of race, commerce, community, and invisibility in a small town workplace.”
The play is about one of the only Black people in Paris, Vermont. When she is hired at a store off the interstate selling everything from baby carrots to lawnmowers, she understands a new kind of isolation. “Paris” offers insights into invisibility, low pay, and how it feels to work on your feet 10 hours a day.
Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more detailsclick here.
Hillary Fisher plays the lead role in “Paris.”
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The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is buying $215,000 worth of PFAS-free turnout gear.
Funds come entirely through their Benevolent Fund, which is supported by private donations.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that were used to make gear resistant to heat and water. Eesearch now shows that these “forever chemicals” build up in the body. They are linked to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems.
For more information about the Weston Volunteer Fire Department or the current initiative, email contactus@wvfd.com.
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Our long wait is open.
At last, Westport will have its 9,294th nail spa.
The confusingly named Monday Nail Spa — which will be open more than 1 day per week — is now open.
It replaces Massage Envy. Perhaps Monday’s slogan should be: “Can’t get a massage? At least get your nails done!”
The latest addition to the Levitt Pavilion summer calendar: The Wood Brothers.
The noted roots music band — hailed as “freethinking songwriters, road warriors and community builders” — come to town on August 10. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today (Friday). Click here to purchase, and for more details.
Andrew Neilly, Jr. — former president and CEO of the book publisher John Wiley & Sons — died peacefully on February 4 at his Weston, Connecticut home. He was 101.
The Baltimore native joined the Army in World War II. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1947.
He was hired that year by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 1947. He married Janet Dayton. They raised their family in Weston, and lived there for over 60 years.
In 1971 Andrew became the first non-family member to be named president of Wiley. In 1979 he was named CEO. He served as vice chairman of the trustees until his retirement in 1995.
He entertained many well-known authors and publishers in Weston, where they discussed the role they should play in advancing education across the globe.
Andrew was elected chair of the Association of American Publishers, and president of the International Publishers Association — the first American to hold that position.
He was a trustee of the University of Rochester for many years. He and Janet established a deanship, and a lecture series that draws a diverse range of authors On March 6, flags were lowered to half-staff at the university, in his honor.
Andrew was a longtime member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. He was on several boards, and served as a deacon. He worked with Rev. Theodore Hoskins to establish Hoskins Place, an emergency shelter for women, and with Dr. James Gillespie to establish the Gillespie Center, an emergency shelter for men.
He loved painting watercolors, and studied under Charles Reid at the Silvermine Arts Center. His paintings were exhibited in many shows.
He is survived by Janet, his wife of 76; children Susan, Thomas (Jennifer) and Sarah (Carlos Paulino), 3 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Homes with Hope or Saugatuck Congregational Church.
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Congratulations to the Staples High School math team!
The “mathletes” finished first among all public schools in this year’s 29-school Fairfield County Math League.
They beat Greenwich — always a joy for Stapleites, whether on the field or in the classroom — and finished second overall, behind private Brunswick School.
That vaults them into the state meet — and the New England Association of Math Leagues competition, May 2 in Canton, Massachusetts.
Sophomore Ayush Rudra earned the highest sophomore score. Last year, he was the top freshman in the league.
The team (and Math Club, both under faculty advisor Mike Forgette) draws students interested in the complexity, problem-solving challenges, and excitement of mathematics.
They say that the qualities needed for success in math competitions include clear communication, quick decision-making, curiosity, passion, and a bit of “light-heartedness.” They don’t get stressed by tough questions; they work collaboratively to solve them. (There is an individual component to math meets, too.)
The math team is like any sports team, they say. The more they practice, the better they get.
Go Wreckers!
Math Club and team advisor Mike Forgette (far left) with Math Club members (from left): Serena Diamond, Sahil Vora, Chloe Wong, Adan Wang, Anit Arvind, Ayush Rudra, Abe Lobsenz, Akil Arvind. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Book these April events at the Westport Book Shop:
“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” (April 10, 6 p.m.): Food Network competitor, Staples High culinary teacher, AMG Catering owner and cookbook author Alison Milwe Grace discusses her new book.
“Tuesday’s Mah Jongg Is More Than a Game” (April 16, 6 p.m.) Local author Marsha Temlock discusses her latest novel about friendship and strengthening bonds, as a group of friends support each other through life’s challenges.
Celebrate Poetry Month (April 17, 6 p.m.): Poetry reading and conversation with Ira Joe Fisher ,
Knitting Workshop (April 21, 6 p.m.): Session with avid knitter Linda Franciscovich, for knitters of all levels. Bring needles and yarn, and your knitting project.
Short Story Book Club (April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). “The Elephant Vanishes” by Haruki Murakami, and “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima.
Local artist Linn Cassetta is exhibitor for the month of April at the Book Shop. A reception is set for April 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop).
Space is limited for the book events. RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
. .Linn Cassetta
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The Fortunoff family — Scott, Laurie, and sons Aaron (Staples High sophomore) and Brett (Bedford Middle School 8th grader) — partnered with Staples’ Cereal4All Club and Stop & Shop last weekend.
They collected over 1,000 boxes of cereal, along with cash donations, to provide breakfast food for those who need it. Homes with Hope picked up all the donations.
“Thank you, Westport!” say the Fortunoffs.
Collecting cereal, for all. From left: Aaron Fortunoff, Alex Burtzlaff, Alex Kovics, Lemar Feliciano. (Stop & Shop manager).
There is always something going on at VFW Post 399.
This Friday (April 11; $20, plus 1 drink minimum), it’s comedy.
Laura High, Joe Portillo, and Matt Vita all take the stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. for food and beverages. The laughs begin at 8. Click here for tickets.
Speaking of the VFW: Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg plays Ellington, Monk and Mingus this week at Jazz at the Post (Thursday, April 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
“Masterfully blending classical, world music and jazz with the excitement of virtuosic improvisation,” he’ll be joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
And finally … in honor of the “Westport … Naturally” photo above:
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Tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission virtual meeting drew over 80 online viewers. Most logged on for the third agenda item: discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
Some were for it. Some against it.
But all were aghast when — during an earlier agenda item — pornographic images, a swastika, and a video of an ISIS-style beheading popped up on the screen,
Commissioner Michael Cammeyer quickly began deleting people from the Zoom session. Town IT technician Mike Phillis cut the feed. The P&Z took an official break.
But the damage had been done. Viewers were shaken and upset. One man said, “I can’t describe how awful that was to experience. The P&Z was scrambling to try to take care of the situation, but I left the meeting because it was overwhelming.”
This was not the first hacking of a town meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals experienced a similar incident recently.
Cammeyer and P&Z director Michelle Perillie slowly began letting people they knew were legitimate back in the Zoom meeting.
Cammeyer also called the police. Chief Foti Koskinas recommend canceling the meeting. Town attorney Ira Bloom — part of the Zoom call — concurred.
Koskinas headed to Town Hall. He promised a thorough investigation by Westport Police.
The schedule for the Hamlet application is now uncertain. After tonight, the P&Z had been scheduled to discuss the Saugatuck project on April 21, with public input set for April 28. Westport schools are on break next week.
Upcoming meetings will continue to be virtual. Town Hall facilities do not work for P&Z sessions, Cammeyer says, with inadequate technology and other issues.
In the meantime, town officials will have to figure out how to allow residents to access meetings from home — while keeping out hackers who disrupt and traumatize them.
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