While Westport’s attention is focused on the Cribari Bridge — and the traffic issues that already plague Saugatuck — an “06880” reader urges us not to forget about the “worst intersection” in town (and perhaps the state).
That is, of course, the cluster**** that is Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road and Post Road West. The reader writes:
Below is a 5 p.m. Google Maps screenshot of “live” traffic on the Tuesday of school vacation last week.
Wilton Road at top; Riverside Avenue at bottom; Post Road West cutting through.
I can only imagine how red the lines will be now that schools are back in session, and everyone rushes to get home from school, work and play.
A quick AI search on “06880” turns up several suggestions, offered in the past:
Traffic Officers: Some suggest assigning police officers or traffic agents to direct traffic, especially during peak hours. This has been noted to significantly improve traffic flow at similar problematic intersections, such as the Cribari Bridge. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Traffic Light Timing and Configuration: Many readers suggest altering the timing of traffic lights to allow for better flow. One idea is to have green lights for only one direction at a time (e.g., green for northbound Wilton Road traffic only, then green for Post Road West traffic only; then green only for the other 3 streets, moving counter-clockwise one at a time. That would prevent backups caused by cars waiting to turn while opposing traffic is also trying to move. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Road Widening and Lane Adjustments: Past opportunities were missed to widen the road or create turning lanes by acquiring properties at the intersection corners. While difficult now, widening the road, particularly at the intersection of Wilton Road and the Post Road, could create a much-needed right turning lane. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Many of these suggestions involve state roads, which means changes require the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s planning, funding, and approval. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
In the mid-2010s, David Waldman proposed a creative solution: move the building at the corner northwest corner of Wilton Road and the Post Road — at that point, it was a liquor store — to create a turning lane.
Town officials turned him down.
Now, in 2026, the state is looking to acquire 77 square feet with eminent domain at the same location, according to recent media reports.
The Department of Transportation would install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks ramps, and a pedestrian push button there.
Aerial view of the intersection — without, remarkably, any traffic.
But instead of incremental tweaks to lights and sidewalks, why don’t we take time — and perhaps one of the Cribari Bridge Committees — to engage with DOT and the town, for a holistic look at the intersection for more permanent solutions?
It may be expensive to buy and/or move buildings (including, perhaps, the one at the foot of Post Road West on the eastbound side, where traffic turns sharply onto Riverside Avenue). That’s another solution proposed in the past.
But unless we build another bridge, in addition to the Cribari Bridge changes or bore a tunnel under the Saugatuck River, the traffic problems will continue to get worse in Westport.
Who is interested in shaping another solution to make Westport safer and faster?
(“06880” regularly covers transportation, local politics, real estate — and, like today, their “intersection.” If you appreciate stories like this, 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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If there is one thing Westporters agree on, it’s that our traffic light system is broken.
This light stays red too long. This one is not green long enough. Why isn’t there a left-turn arrow here? Why can’t I go right on red there?
And, always: Why doesn’t the town do something about it?
The answer is frustratingly simple: It can’t. They’re not our lights.
According to Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella, there are 123 miles of town roads. 66 miles are private, and only 18.5 miles belong to the state.
But nearly every traffic light in Westport hangs over a state road.
Post Road East and West. Saugatuck and Riverside Avenues. Wilton Road. Easton Road. You name it: If there’s a light on it, odds are astronomical it belongs to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Call Town Hall about a traffic problem? They’re not our lights!
In fact, Andrew says, the only traffic lights the town controls are on Main Street at Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue, the Saugatuck fire station, and — because it’s a special, controllable light — the one at Fire Department headquarters.
So, if you have concerns — immediate (a light is out) or long-range (change the timing), the state DOT is the agency to call.*
But it’s a bureaucracy, so (of course) there are 2 separate jurisdictions.
The state DOT garage (next to Walgreens, across from Patio.com) handles all work orders from their driveway westward (to the Norwalk line). Their number is 203-227-7692.
Everything east of the state DOT garage is done by the Trumbull garage: 203-380-3836).
Traffic light concerns or electrical issues? Call 203-878-1869.
*Looking for ideas? Here’s one. Make each cycle at the Post Road West/ Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road cluster**** green for one side only, and red for the other three.
In other words, if you’re on Wilton Road, with Bartaco on your left, you get a green light to go any direction — left or right on the Post Road, straight ahead onto Riverside — while traffic is stopped in the other direction.
Then the cars coming down the Post Road West hill get their own green — to turn left or right, or go straight over the bridge — while everyone else stops.
Etc., etc.
It’s the only way to prevent back-ups, while cars wait for those in front to turn — but they can’t, because vehicles coming from the opposite direction are trying to do the same.
Hey, it’s worth a try. The current system is broken.
Right now, an entire cycle can pass with cars waiting for one to turn in any direction from Wilton Road, Post Road West or Riverside Avenue.
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Back in the day, stone markers were used to delineate boundaries.
One — on the Westport/Norwalk line — can still be seen off Post Road West, near A&S.
It’s hard to spot. It was also the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Only 2 readers correctly identified the site: Brian Taylor (who knew where, but note what, it was), and (of course) Andrew Colabella, who knew both.
Today’s Photo Challenge is one that many more people may be familiar with. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click Comments below.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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“06880” readers love Rowene Weems’ photos. She has a keen eye for the beauty of our town. Flowers, sunsets, the beach — her camera and composition make those scenes come alive in special and compelling ways.
Rowene also has a great eye for people. As she travels around town, she captures some of the men and women who work — mostly unseen — to make Westport what it is.
She does not know their back stories. She tries not to interrupt too much. A woman once chastised Rowene for taking photos of workers on her property. “Time is money!” she said.
Twice, “06880” has featured some of those images. They’re part of a book she’s creating about workers everywhere, from her travels around the US and world.
It’s time for another look, at more of the folks who make our town all that it is. These photos are all from the past few weeks.
Today, let’s appreciate them anew.
Working with Frontier Fiber Optics, at the Post Road West/Wilton Road intersection.
Splash Car Wash, near the end of the conveyor belt …
… and a few moments later.
Mowing, in Old Hill.
Directing traffic at the worst intersection in town …
… and not far away on Post Road West, at Ludlow Road.
On the job, with Roma Stone Landscaping. (All photos/Rowene Weems Photography)
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In October 2020, Kings Highway Elementary celebrated National Walk to School Day. Hundreds of youngsters walked that day.
Because there were no “School Zone” signs on Post Road West, parents made sure the event went smoothly.
A year and a half later, signs are up. There are flashing signs too.
The KHS PTA thanks 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, State Senator Will Haskell, RTM member Christine Meiers Schatz, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, PTA past president Kim Ceman and the school’s parents for making the signs a reality.
“As the only elementary school in town on a state road with a playground bordering it, these new safety measures give parents a huge feeling of relief,” the KHS PTA says.
Kings Highway PTA co-presidents Jeni Bianco and Lindsay Shurman flank principal Tracey Carbone, at the new Post Road West sign and flashing light.
The Westport Farmers’ Market is very direct. They bring fresh produce directly from the farm to you. They directly impact our environment and lifestyles, in positive ways.
And the name of their fundraiser is very direct too. Not to mention quite clever.
“Fork It Over” is set for April 24 (noon to 3 p.m., The Whelk). Highlights include auctions of the very popular #WhoGrowsYourFood photo exhibit by Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff, and other great items.
Can’t attend? The same images will be for sale, starting April 1. They’re at the same link for tickets (also April 1).
Money raised at “Fork It Over” directly supports vendors, reduces operating expenses, helps expand educational programming, and funds philanthropic efforts.
Ryan Price — a 1995 Staples High School graduate now living in Fairfield — is an avid and experienced mountain bike rider. Earlier this month, at the end of a business trip in Austin, Texas, he fractured his neck in a cycling accident. He was airlifted to a trauma center, in underwent 10 hours of surgery. He has no feeling from the chest down.
He is now at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. A long road of physical and occupational therapy lies ahead. Fortunately, Ryan did not suffer a head injury. He is focused on the hard work ahead.
While he and his wife Janice have a hard time asking for and accepting help, his many friends and colleagues have offered donations for medical costs not covered by insurance, modifications to their home, transportation, childcare, and the many other challenges they will encounter. Click here for Ryan’s GoFundMe page.
The family is researching cutting-edge treatments including STEM cells. Funds will also help provide access to new technology and treatment options.
Ryan is an enterprise sales executive at Khoros, and loves working with clients to solve problems. Outside of work Ryan enjoys music (at Providence College, he played in a band). He loves trips to Maine with his family and friends, and has a passion for coaching his two boys who enjoy sports of all kinds.
Ryan and Janice have been overwhelmed by the support so many have shown. Janice will provide updates about Ryan’s progress soon, via CaringBridge.
Westporter Barbara Ross-Innamorati owns Evocateur, the East Norwalk artisan jewelry company. Every piece is designed and made by hand.
They created a collection of Sunflower jewelry — in honor of Ukraine’s national flower — and are donating 100% of the profits to Save the Children Ukraine.
The response has been excellent, from retailers and customers. The jewelry can be purchased online, or locally at Lux Bond & Green.
Jane Wright Wolf — a member of the prestigious Salamagundi Art Club of New York — has donated a number of stunning pieces, for a special sale. 100% of all proceeds benefit the Weston Senior Center.
Wolf’s work is available for purchase at the Weston Senior Center (9 School Road), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays throughout April. A special opening is set for this Saturday (April 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
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