Tag Archives: State Senator Tony Hwang

Roundup: Pizza Lyfe, 92 Beachside Avenue, Tony Hwang …

Posted on April 1, 2026 | 1 comment

First, Pizza Lyfe established itself as one of Westport’s favorite (among many) pizzerias.

Then they expanded across Long Lots Road, opening Lyfe Café for breakfast, lunch and coffee.

Now comes a third Lyfe.

They’re taking over the Greenology/Jack’s Coffee space next door — the latest in a series of coffee shops there. Soon, it will open as Sweet Lyfe.

As first reported by WestportMoms, the new spot will feature high-protein Greek frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream, small-batch gelato, smoothies, açaí bowls, imported candy and more.

Plus, “a chocolate and pistachio fountain.”

As Frank Sinatra sort of sang, “That’s Lyfe!”

Sweet Lyfe will move in soon next to (left side, not shown) Pizza Lyfe.

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The Historic District Committee meets April 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).

On the agenda: a demolition permit for 92 Beachside Avenue.

Because the home is over 50 years — in fact, the 7,700-square foot Tudor with 8 bedrooms and 8 1/2 bathrooms, once owned by Lucie Bedford (of Westport’s leading philanthropic family) and her husband, Briggs Cunningham (a race car driver and America’s Cup winner), set on 3.55 acres with 200 feet of Long Island Sound waterfront, is exactly 100 years old — the HDC can delay demolition for 180 days.

It cannot, however, prevent it.

The front of 92 Beachside Avenue …

… and a view from the Sound.

The Historic District Commission will also discuss demolition permits for:

  • 2 Izzo Lane
  • 48 Burr Farms Road
  • 41 Sniffen Road
  • 51 Whitney Street (detached garage only)
  • 20 Bermuda Road
  • 4 Woods Grove Road
  • 103 Sturges Highway
  • 4 Ridge Drive.

On the agenda too: rescinding adoption of the motion to oppose issuance of a demotion permit for 11 Dogwood Lane.

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Tony Hwang — the state senator from Fairfield who, before redistricting, represented parts of Westport and Weston — will not run for a 7th term.

The Republican announced his decision Monday. Including earlier service in the House of Representatives, he said that after nearly 18 years it is time to “ begin the next chapter of my life.”

Hwang — who was born in Taiwan, graduated from Cornell University and became the first Asian American in the Connecticut Senate — will return to the real estate profession.

He also hopes to work with nonprofits and academic institutions to encourage civic engagement.

Hwang said, “My goal is to help future generations understand that community must always come before political labels — and that effective governance requires collaboration, empathy, courage and respect.”

State Senator Tony Hwang (right), with Westport RTM moderator Jeff Wieser. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Has an osprey returned to Westport?

The verdict is out on the  Fresh Market nest. (It may be a hawk.)

But Ed Simek sends along this shot from Gray’s Creek, next to the Longshore exit road.

(Photo/Ed Simek) 

It sure looks like an osprey to him — and us.

But we’ll leave it to our experts: “06880” readers.

Is it an osprey? A different raptor? Click “Comments” below.

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Speaking of animals: As the temperature reached the mid-70s yesterday, dogs romped on Compo Beach.

They won’t be back for 6 months.

March 31 is the final day dogs are allowed on town beaches, until October 1.

The ones who were there made the most of the almost-summer day.

And boy, there were a lot of them.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Speaking of nature: Earthplace hosts several intriguing adult events soon.

  • Craft & Sip: Create Botanical Stationery (April 9, 6 p.m.; $35 members, $45 non-members)
  • Mindfulness: Forest Bathing (April 16, 10-11 a.m.; $25)
  • Mindfulness: Sound Bath (April 29, 6 to 7 p.m.; $45)
  • Toast to the Trees (family) (April 25, 4 p.m.)
  • Cocktails &  Clams (June 6, 5 to 7 p.m.).

And for the younger set: Kids Night Out (April 10, 6 to 9 p.m.; $50 members; $60 non-members).

Click here for details on all programs, and registration.

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Aaron and Brett Fortunoff of Staples High School’s Cereal 4 All Club offer “a great big thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s drive a success.” The Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) was a huge help.

They collected 1,600 boxes of cereal, and raised over $3,000. They’ve already begun distributing cereal to local food pantries.

Contributions are still welcome. Venmo @lauriefortunoff (she will purchase cereal), or make a tax-deductible donation at cereal4all.org.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with donated cereal (and friend).

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He was right outside her kitchen window.

But Ann Cole says she would not have seen this owl, had he not rotated his head.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the beauty of nature’s camouflage.

It’s everywhere. We just have to look.

Very, very carefully.

(Photo/Ann Cole)

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And finally … to all those who forgot that today was April 1, when they clicked on our lead story this morning:

(You never know what you’ll find on “06880.” If you enjoy our wide variety of stories, photos, features and other stuff, please click here to support our work. Even if  — ESPECIALLY if — we got you today!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Longshore, Politics, Real estate

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Reapportionment Alters Westport’s State Representation

Posted on November 28, 2021 | 2 comments

Connecticut’s General Assembly will have a different look after the next election.

Redistricting takes place every 10 years, based on census data and population shifts.

Unlike many states, Connecticut’s reapportionment is done by a panel of 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans. If they can’t agree, a 5th objective member is added. This year, that was unneeded.

Current plans — which will be finalized soon — change district lines for the 2 state senators and 2 representatives who now serve parts of Westport.

Senator Will Haskell’s 26th District currently runs far north. He’ll lose Bethel, but gain a slice of Stamford, connected by a bit of Darien and New Canaan.

The borders of State Representative Jonathan Steinberg’s 136th District have shifted slightly, though it continues to include only Westport. He’s lost some voters in the western part of town. His district still runs all the way to the Fairfield town line.

State Representative Stephanie Thomas’ Norwalk-based 143rd District has changed significantly. She gained some additional voters in Westport and a large number of new voters in Norwalk. They replace Wilton, which has become an entirely new district.

State Senator Tony Hwang’s 28th District has been pushed north, into Bethel. He’ll lose the Greens Farms section of Westport he now represents.

But, Hwang says, “I’ve worked with Jim Marpe, Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, on projects like Coleytown Middle School and bridge repairs. I’ll always advocate for Westport. Please give my thanks to the terrific people of Westport I’ve been able to represent.”

(For more in-depth information on redistricting, click here, here, here and here. Hat tip: Peter Gold.)

 

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Posted in Politics

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Hundreds Rally In Support Of Asian-Americans

Posted on March 27, 2021 | 7 comments

Eloquent, heartfelt speeches — from a US Senator, Asian-American elected officials, Westport politicians and parents, and Staples High School students — highlighted this morning’s rally at Jesup Green.

A crowd of about 500 — Asian-Americans, white and black; longtime residents and newcomers; senior citizens, toddlers and everyone in between — held signs, wore t-shirts, and joined together to condemn violence against the AAPI community.

Behind the Jesup Green crowd, a flag flew at half staff in memory of Asian-Americans killed last week in Atlanta.

State Attorney General William Tong and State Senator Tony Hwang described their own experiences as children of immigrants, and blasted myths like “the model minority.”

State Senator Tony Hwang, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal noted that his own father arrived in the US alone, at 17, and believed, like so many others, in the American Dream. He said that he and a Republican colleague will introduce a “No Hate Act” next week, adding — in a nod to the diverse crowd — that “this is what America should look like.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal addresses the crowd.

Staples students Jacob Lee, Anya Nair, Gary Lu and Carrie Everett, plus college student Minnie Seo and parent Rosie Jon, spoke honestly about their own lives too.

A contingent of Staples students spoke eloquently.

It was a powerful outpouring of support. But — as several speakers noted — much more remains to be done.

Vijay and Kerstin Rao.

TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey spoke. His wife, TEAM Westport member Bernicestine McLeod Bailey, was at the rally too.

Rally organizer Sarin Cheung (left) and Westport artist Rosie Jon both spoke.

There were many young people at the rally.

A small part of the large crowd.

(All photos/Dan Woog)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Politics

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Lamont, Blumenthal Visit Westport; Slam Eversource’s “Unacceptable” Response

Posted on August 7, 2020 | 35 comments

Post-Isaias, it’s not easy to get to Town Hall.

Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue are shut. Downed wires and trees litter both important roads. Town Hall itself is closed.

But Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Senator Richard Blumenthal got there an hour ago. (“I had a police escort,” the governor joked.)

Joined by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and 3 state legislators, the bipartisan group met first with Fire Chief Robert Yost, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and other officials behind Town Hall, then faced the press and a few Westport residents by the front steps.

In both places, they slammed Eversource’s actions before, during and after the storm.

Or, as more than one said, Eversource’s “lack of action.”

Clockwise from left: Senator Richard Blumenthal, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Fire Chief Robert Yost, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Governor Ned Lamont and State Representative Gail Lavielle. (Photo/ Brendan Byrne)

Standing next to the absentee ballot box in the back parking lot, Marpe told the governor and senator that he had taken Congressman Jim Himes on a tour of Westport this morning.

There were plenty of places they could not reach, Marpe said. “Lives are at risk. And Eversource should be in touch with local leaders, so we know what’s going on.”

Blumenthal noted, “Eversource bet the storm would pass us by. They lost the bet. And we’re paying for it.”

Press and Westport citizens surround the governor, senator and other officials. (Photo/Kyle Ehrlich)

A few minutes later, facing a battery of microphones from news outlets around Connecticut, Marpe called the fact that 85% of Westporters still lack power “unacceptable.”

He added, “We need help right away. Our Public Works, first responders and Town Hall staff are working full time to get the town back in shape. AT&T and Verizon are here.

“But hundreds of roads are inaccessible. Lives are at risk. Eversource’s response is totally inadequate. I can’t tell you if 10 trucks are here, or 2, or 200. I have no idea of any time estimates.”

Lamont, speaking next, cited the COVID pandemic. “We hope for the best but plan for the worst. That’s not what the utilities have done.

“Eversource should have been pre-positioned. We’ll hold their feet to the fire later. We will have a tough post-mortem. But right now the house is on fire, and we need (the equivalent of) the fire department. That’s our first priority.”

Governor Lamont speaks at Town Hall. (Photo/January Stewart)

Lamont was “surprised” to get a call from the White House last night. “FEMA will reimburse us 100%,” he said. “But that’s small potatoes compared to the action that’s needed right now.”

Blumenthal noted, “I’ve never seen Connecticut more angry, and rightfully so. No electricity and no internet are matters of life and death.

“There can be no more teasing, no more delays, no more rate increases. Eversource’s CEO is well compensated.” (Bysiewicz said he earns $19.8 million a year.) “But he won’t even come out and meet the press.”

State Senator Tony Hwang and State Representative Gail Lavielle echoed the criticism of the utility.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg added, “This storm hit Westport like a freight train — and it sounded like one. People say that Eversource’s response is unacceptable. Well, the word ‘unacceptable’ is unacceptable.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe at Town Hall. (Photo/Calvin Carson)

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Weather

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