The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously last night to approve the indoor golf and entertainment center — “The Clubhouse” — proposed for 1608-1620 Post Road East (the current site of Redi-Cut Carpet and Pane e Bene restaurant).
The P&Z also okayed 10 townhouses, at the rear of the property. Two will be affordable, as determined by state guidelines.
That’s a much less intensive use than a previous developer’s plan, for an 8-30g housing development there:
An earlier 8-30g concept for 1608-1620 Post Road East.
Last night’s decision is the first step in the process for Westport residents Tim and Emily Zobl. Next on the agenda: a final site plan.
Proposed site of “The Clubhouse.”
==================================================
Speaking of local politics: Want to run for the Representative Town Meeting?
Petitions for our legislative branch — the RTM — are available, starting today in the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
Interested candidates must gather 25 signatures from residents in their district to be on the ballot November 7. The deadline is September 12.
The 36-person RTM is non-partisan; all terms are 2 years. There are 9 voting districts, with 4 members each. Click here for a district map.
RTM members vote on town appropriation requests of more than $20,000; approve town ordinances, and the town budget; serve on 2 or more committees, and review certain decisions of town boards and commissions.
For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
==================================================
“Gloria” — Alan Sterling’s beloved oyster boat, which graced Gray’s Creek for many years but deteriorated slowly after his death 9 years ago — may have found its final resting place.
(Photo/Bruce McFadden)
Perhaps it was moved into the nearby woods. Perhaps it was deposited there by a very high tide.
Whatever happened, “Gloria” is now out of the water.
To read a number of “06880” back stories on this legendary Westport craft — and its oysterman captain — click here.
==================================================
The blue-wrapped house at 233 Hillspoint Road has generated a lot of controversy — and not gotten much love — over the past few years.
Another blue-wrapped construction project has not generated many comments at all.
But, many Westporters wonder: What’s going on at the corner of Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
177 Main Street — the restored 1775 house that was most recently home to Local to Market, and before that Talbots and (of course) the Remarkable Book Shop — was purchased by Eleish Van Breems Home Westport.
Headquartered on Franklin Street, and with stores on Railroad Place and Nantucket, Eleish Van Breems offers “a clean, elegant and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence.”
There’s no target date for opening.
But it’s safe to say it will be a lot sooner than that very-unloved home on Hillspoint.
================================================
Want a sneak peek at Tacombi, the new Mexican restaurant replacing A&J’s Market on the Post Road between Lansdowne and Stop & Shop?
And want to support a great cause at the same time?
Realtor Judy Michaelis and Hightower Financial Group host a pre-opening party on August 4 (5:30 p.m.). There’s plenty of food and drink — and 100% of ticket sales directly support Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
The recent appointment of Dr. Penny Proskinitopoulos as principal of Coleytown Middle School created a vacancy at Staples High School. She spent the past 2 years there, as assistant principal.
That post has been filled by a familiar face. Micah Lawrence returns to the place where he began his academic career — which is also his alma mater.
Lawrence worked for many years at Staples as a school counselor, administrator and coach.
Micah Lawrence
============================================
Lyman, Ukraine continues to need help.
And Felicia Catale keeps helping.
The owner of Salon Nash on Post Road West is giving free haircuts to anyone who donates to our sister city.
Her cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for standard rates. But anyone who contributes any amount gets one, gratis.
Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).
Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!
Felicia Catale
==================================================
Everyone has a different way to enjoy Compo Beach.
Some people ride bikes, jog, walk, or walk their dogs. Some play basketball or softball. Others rollerblade, skateboard, kayak or kitesurf. A few even swim.
Then there was this group yesterday:
(Photo/Karen Como)
Yoga at the beach. Bring a mat, and head on down!
==================================================
Speaking of the water: Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup included a cool shot of a handsome boat, with a red heart prominently on onoe sail.
(Photo/Elle Bowe)
We wondered who owned it.
Turns out there’s more to the back story than, um, meets the eye.
Alert “06880” reader Dave Wilson responds: “The owner is named Mike Hart (so the pun is intended). He charters the boat out of Norwalk.
“He used to be an island keeper for an island off Rowayton. It has only one house, and was owned by wealthy families over the years.”
One was Broadway’s Billy Rose. Another noted visitor — perhaps when she lived in Westport — was Marilyn Monroe.
For far more information on Tavern Island, click here. For more on Mike Hart, click here.
==================================================
Twiddle lit up Westport — literally.
The Vermont-based band with a huge cult following attracted tons of out-of-towners to the Levitt Pavilion. The crowd danced for nearly the entire 5-hour set.
Just to remind everyone where they were, this was part of the scene:
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
==================================================
Since the pandemic, parking at the Westport railroad station has not been a problem.
However, this takes the concept to a new level:
(Photo/JD Dworkow)
JD Dworkow reports that this train has been parked here since Thursday.
All aboard! Next stop: Willoughby!
==================================================
Longtime Westporter Sanford (Sandy) Libow — one of our last World War II veterans — died last month in Stamford. Addie, his wife of 67 years, was at his side. He was 96 years old.
After graduating from Brooklyn’s James Madison High School and
serving in the Army, he earned his master’s from New York University. He was
editor-in-chief of the yearbook and the University Guidebook. Sandy then joined Fairfield Publications as a reporter.
In 1952 he founded Ideal Electrical Supply Corp. in Mt. Kisco, New York. He was president and CEO until he sold the business in 1999.
Sandy’s many community activities included president of Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor, New York and Birchwood Country Club. He also served on the boards of The Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, and Temple Israel.
In 1973 he was honored by the Westchester County Bond Drive, in
celebration of Israel’s 25th anniversary. He was particularly proud of his volunteer service at Boca Regional Hospital’s Infusion Lab in Florida.
Sandy took pride that from humble beginnings he became a person with broad
interests including sports, politics, art, music, theatre, movies and bridge, with a particular love for jazz.
He was an avid tennis player and golfer, and was extremely knowledgeable in all sports, particularly his beloved New York Mets.
In addition to Addie he is survived by his daughter Lindsey Weinstein and son Marc; grandchildren Scott (Caitlin), Jess, Nick, Claudia, Jordyn and Zachary, and great-granddaughter Alina, who was born just 2 days before he died, as well as his daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Elise, son-in-law Bruce and his brother Dr. Leslie Libow (Linda).His eldest child, Daryl Libow, died in 2018
Sandy Libow
==============================================
Wasps make huge nests.
When they hang on tree branches, we watch them with a combination of awe and fear.
But this one is much closer to home — literally.
It’s the first wasp nest featured on “Westport … Naturally.” Let’s hope — at least at this site — it’s the last.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the scene at the Westport railroad station (story above): There are a zillion train songs I could have picked.
This one — by our next door neighbor — seems most appropriate:
(Today — and every day — the Roundup is filled with news you can use. Or not — that’s up to you. But if you appreciate all the work that goes into compiling it, please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here. Thank you!)
Both sides seemed open to next steps for project approval. Among them: further discussions, walk-throughs with neighbors, and third party environmental testing.
“We’re not developers from New York. This is our town. Tim will be on site, running the daily operation.
