Two weeks ago, Larry Weisman — a longtime Westporter, noted zoning law attorney and civic volunteer — offered an intriguing solution to the Hamlet at Saugatuck morass.
What if, he wondered, the town and developer (ROAN Ventures) entered into a public/private partnership to develop Saugatuck — part dilapidated, part historic — in a less dense way than either the current plan, or a threatened 500-plus 8-30 housing proposal?
Weisman envisioned a mix of residences (a “substantial” number of them affordable, under state guidelines); a “judicious mix of commercial and office uses, with appropriate amenities on the river”; possibly a theater and/or hotel, as well as a pharmacy, hardware store and grocery. (Click here to read the full story.)
In 2018, a Transit Oriented District plan envisioned redevelopment of Saugatuck.
His piece drew 24 comments — most of them positive.
However, only one commenter was a public official (a Representative Town Meeting member).
Today, Weisman follows up (below).
This will likely resonate (again) with many readers. Meanwhile, “06880” wonders: What do town officials think? Will anyone follow up on the clear public interest, and take the lead?
Larry Weisman writes:
It would be disappointing if ROAN were to throw in the towel after denial of its overly ambitious attempt to redesign and redefine Saugatuck.
ROAN’s Plan B, an out-of-scale 8-30g housing block without supporting uses, seems more like petulance than a sensible second bite at the apple.
I still believe that both parties could benefit if the town were to invite the developer to participate in an effort to create a public/private partnership, with the town reducing the developer’s costs by contributing materially to a workable plan of development.
Many Westporters hope that area of Saugatuck can be improved.
The area surrounding ROAN’s holdings, including the railroad parking lots, is largely controlled by the town. It can be improved and repurposed to support a rational redesign.
In this instance, 8-30g, despite its flaws, can be a useful tool to create below market housing on one of the lots that comprise the development site.
I would think that ROAN would welcome an opportunity to work with the town to create a village that serves its residents.
And I would think that the town would be eager to work with the developer in an effort to achieve a mutually beneficial result. But alas, there seems to be no willingness on the part of the current town leadership to actually lead.
So we may have to swallow the bitter pill of yet another lost opportunity, and live with a large housing block devoid of supporting infrastructure and services.
What a shame.
(“06880’s” Opinion pages are open to all. Please email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
The end of the line seems near for the Hamlet at Saugatuck — the controversial project in and around the Westport train station.
“06880” reporter John H. Palmer writes:
And then there was one ….
One more week, that is, before Westport finally finds out if the Hamlet development in Saugatuck will be approved, or if the developers will follow through with a promised 8-30g affordable housing development instead.
The Planning & Zoning Commission Monday night came one step closer to making a decision about the embattled waterfront development that could bring a multi-use development of 11 buildings, including retail, hotel and residential buildings between the Saugatuck River, Charles Street, Franklin Street and Railroad Place.
A final vote on the application by ROAN Ventures will take place next Monday, (July 28). Based on a straw count taken last night, the Hamlet application likely will be denied by a vote of 4-3.
Commissioners Paul Lebowitz, Michael Calise, Amy Wistreich and Patrizia Zucaro voiced disapproval of the project. Neil Cohn, Breann Injeski and Michael Cammeyer voted in favor.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet project. Railroad Place is at the bottom; Riverside Avenue and the Saugatuck River are on the right.
The night began with a motion by Zucaro, seconded by Calise, to flat-out deny the application. Chairman Lebowitz, on advice from town attorney Ira Bloom, steered the meeting to focus on discussion of why the project should be denied.
Feedback gained will be used by P&Z director Michelle Perillie to draft a final resolution that will be voted on at next Monday’s meeting.
Much of Monday night’s evening focused around final discussions about why the developers did not meet the requirements of the 2022 text amendment, which was passed to steer the development of the project.
Lebowitz said several times that he felt that developers waited until the last minute to address concerns about the application regarding traffic, parking, waterfront access, building density and architectural issues.
“It’s a terrible way to do an application. This whole thing has been a terrible way,” he said. “It almost seemed like we were creating the application, not them.”
Cohn, who has publicly announced that he will not seek reelection, said he had reservations about denying the application. He would have preferred to see the application withdrawn to give the developers more chance to address public concerns brought up during hearing process.
“When we asked for something, they were responsive,” he said. “I care about doing the right thing, more than I do about my political career. Legally, we’ve been told they comply. After 3 years of this process, I don’t know how we can deny it.”
Earlier this year, ROAN officials showed how the Hamlet’s height would compare to National Hall downtown.
He added he is worried that a denial will affect how developers view the way that Westport handles development, and how that may affect the way the town attracts future development.
The P&Z has been in a 65-day, legally mandated deliberation period since closing the hearing portion of the application June 18, with a final decision legally required by August 20.
ROAN Ventures has said they would come back with a 500-unit affordable housing development if the Hamlet is denied.
Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint. As an 8-30g development, the town would have far less say regarding parking and other issues surrounding the development.
(“06880” has followed the long Hamlet debate — and will continue to report on Saugatuck’s future. If you appreciate our coverage, please clikc here to support our work.
As Westport debates the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal — and with it, related issues like affordable housing, density and more — Marti Lametta checks in from neighboring Fairfield.
Both towns have a “community feel,” she says. She has been a member of Christ & Holy Trinity Church for 0ver 40 years. She works in Westport, as director of operations for Keller Williams. Marti writes:
I have not heard anyone argue against adding affordable housing — not one person.
I do hear people wanting real solutions to meet the needs of low/moderate income residents, but developers’ proposals are not doing that.
Luxury apartment developments are solving the developers’ needs for high profits, with little relief towards the desperately needed worker housing. As in trickle-down economics, the money stays at the top, while the less profitable issues are not addressed.
Like Westport, Fairfield has changed its zoning regulations at developers’ requests. Multiple impactful developments have been approved by our Town Plan and Zoning (TPZ) Commission, a body that continues to ignore sensible alternatives and residents’ concerns.
441 Post Road in Fairfield, presently the Circle Inn and Diner, is a 6-acre site that backs on a tidal salt marsh. Zoning regulations been have changed for the site, as requested by the developer, and 2 different options have been approved by the commission in record time.
Fairfield’s published zoning regulations allowed for a hotel with 90 rooms. Those regulations have been changed, with the approval of the first application.
The first approved application is for a 278-unit apartment block surrounding a 6-story parking garage, plus a new 110-room hotel with the existing diner remaining.
One proposal for 441 Post Road, Fairfield.
The second approved application is for 2 massive apartment blocks that are 6 stories tall with 478 apartments (it’s under the 8-30g law, so 140 apartments are affordable according to state standards), and a 7-story garage with parking for 687 cars.
This development would be twice the size of Bridgeport Hospital (even the first application was larger than the hospital). Traffic would exit into the circle that contains the McDonalds, with its already dangerous F-rated and congested traffic patterns.
The site backs onto Turney Creek, into which the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the town are allowing stormwater from the site to be piped. Ecosystems will be forever destroyed.
Second Fairfield proposal, near the McDonald’s traffic circle.
We have banded together as the Fairfield Circle Neighbors for Responsible Development, and said we’ve had enough!
We are appealing these TPZ approvals, with Joel Green as our attorney, in Bridgeport Superior Court. Through fliers, newsletters, social media and personal networks we are working to spread awareness of the projects, and raise funds to cover the costs of the appeals process.
At some point we need to all stand up and say that this cannot continue. If Westport residents have the same concerns that we have in Fairfield, please “say no to more out-sized development,” and file the appeals.
I hear the argument that appeals are a waste of time. The argument is not a good one. I work in Westport, and most days go home through Saugatuck. Need I say more?
Stand up and fight back! If you want to follow us along the way, click here to sign up for our newsletter. I hope your Planning & Zoning commissioners listen your concerns.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com with submissions.)
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Meanwhile, in another Fairfield County town, CT Mirror reports:
“In a victory for advocates of Connecticut’s affordable housing law, a Superior Court judge last week ruled that the New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission improperly denied a proposal to build a 102-unit apartment complex that included 31 affordable units.
“The 98-page decision refuted concerns commonly raised by opponents of such developments and emphasized that all towns bear some responsibility for meeting housing needs in the state.
“The ruling, issued in Superior Court in Hartford, says that the planning and zoning commission must approve the construction after the developer makes a couple of minor tweaks to the proposal to build on Weed Street in New Canaan.
“The property is in a residential neighborhood, less than half a mile from the New Canaan train station. It previously had a 10,000-square-foot single-family home and separate pool house, which have been demolished. The current property owner first applied in 2022 to change the zoning and build apartments and made several adjustments to the plan. It was denied in November 2022.
“The developer contested the denial under a Connecticut affordable housing law commonly known by its statutory name — 8-30g. That law allows developers whose affordable housing proposals are denied to sue and force local officials to prove that they declined the proposal for health or safety reasons.
“Towns are exempt from the law if at least 10% of their housing is designated affordable, and they can apply for temporary reprieves as they make progress toward that goal.”
Larry Weisman and his family moved to Westport in 1966. He brought his law practice here in 1979.
Larry Weisman
Concentrating on zoning law, he has represented the Gorham Island developer, the Gault Saugatuck project, the Westport Library, Aspetuck Town Trust, Compo Beach playground effort, the Westport Weston Family YMCA and many other significant projects.
He has watched the battle over the Hamlet at Saugatuck project with interest. He writes:
What if ROAN Ventures — the developers of the Hamlet — were to withdraw its application, with the understanding that it can be refiled at any time?
And what if the town of Westport — not the Planning & Zoning Commission — were to appoint a committee of knowledgeable and experienced real estate developers to discuss with ROAN a public/private partnership to develop Saugatuck?
And what if the town made a substantial contribution to the project — not necessarily in dollars only, but also by contributing in-kind services, and perhaps expansion of the project into adjacent town-owned sites? And what if that included redesigning the sea of asphalt which is now the railroad parking lot, to address parking concerns?
Part of Saugatuck today that ROAN Ventures hopes to develop. It would be part of a public/private partnership that Larry Weisman proposes.
I think the result of such an effort could produce a substantial amount of 8-30g residential units. They would be not in 8-story buildings, but perhaps in 3- or 4- story buildings around a central court, with the remainder of the property devoted to a judicious mix of commercial and office uses, with appropriate amenities on the river.
Traffic patterns and parking options could be explored more thoroughly with the participation of the town. Ancillary uses, such as a theater and hotel, could be better evaluated in terms of community need if public opinion were taken into account.
Uses designed to serve an expanded residential neighborhood, such as a pharmacy, hardware store and grocery, could be included in the mix to promote a sense of community.
In 2018, a Transit Oriented District plan envisioned redevelopment of Saugatuck.
A secondary effect would be a reduction in traffic.
Architectural style could be addressed more effectively. An eye toward creating a more community-friendly design and walkable streetscape would add to a sense of community.
It’s my guess that such a scheme has the potential to produce a win-win result. The developer and its investors would turn a reasonable profit, and the town and its citizens would have their say.
I think the end result is likely to be better and more acceptable to the citizenry for having participated than anything we’re likely to get from the P&Z through the prescribed process.
This is a bold proposal, to be sure. I recognize that there will be those who say that it would set a dangerous precedent for negotiated zoning, which would threaten the prerogatives and run counter to the statutory responsibilities of the P&Z and the conventional system of land use regulation, which contemplates measuring development proposals against a predetermined set of regulations.
But I think the redevelopment of Saugatuck is an issue of such magnitude and consequence to the community as a whole that it can be seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which is worth the risk.
All that’s lacking is leadership.
(“06880’s” Opinion pages are open to all. Please email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
Those concerns were raised again last night — as they have been for several months — as the Planning & Zoning Commission debated the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal.
The long process is nearing an end, however. Commissioners meet again on July 21. A vote on the controversial retail/residential/hotel/event space project may come then, or the following week (July 28).
That vote may include outright acceptance or rejection, or approval with conditions.
As the meeting began, 3 commissioners — Michael Cammeyer, Neil Cohn and Breanne Injeski — indicated that they favor the Hamlet.
Four — chair Paul Lebowitz, and Michael Calise, Amy Wistreich and Patrizia Zucaro — said they are opposed.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
The work session was to determine whether developers ROAN Ventures comply with a text amendment, created in 2022 to allow a development like this. Cohn said that it does.
But Wistreich and others cited ongoing concerns, in several areas.
Zucaro spent over 3 hours offering a detailed analysis of how the project does not comply with the text amendment, such as “water dependent uses” (including stormwater management, public access and waterfront parking), along with traffic flow in the area.
Other traffic issues revolved around employee parking, stacked valet parking, and a proposed roundabout.
Traffic plans, submitted by ROAN Ventures.
In terms of density, Cohn noted that the height of the buildings is allowed by the text amendment. Wistreich called it an “urban design.” Cammeyere countered that multiple elements make up a small-town feel, beyond the size of a building.
Cohn reiterated his belief that — because the Hamlet plan complies with the text amendment — the commission cannot reject it.
Cammeyer added that ROAN has done a good job with the environmental aspect — and that the P&Z’s professional staff agrees that it complies.
The 65-day window for a decision continues to tick down.
There is one agenda item: the Hamlet at Saugatuck. With public input closed, the P&Z is now discussing the fate of the residential/hotel/retail/event space project.
Commissioners are in the midst of a 65-day period, in which they’ll render a verdict.
Hamlet project, as seen from the Saugatuck River.
The developers — ROAN Ventures — said last month that if they do not gain approval, they would file a pre-application for an 8-30g housing development on the site. The area encompasses Riverside Avenue from Charles Street to Railroad Place, part of Railroad Place, and Charles Street from the office building to Riverside
The 8-30g proposal would include over 500 housing units. Thirty percent would be deemed affordable, under state standards.
The 70% that comprise market rate units would be a mix of condos and rentals.
Three buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint.
And – because it’s an 8-30g development – the town would have virtually no say regarding parking, conservation or other issues.
Artists’ rendering of possible 8-30g housing.
What would that mean? Here is a comparison of the Hamlet project, and the 8-30g.
Units:57 housing units, 57 hotel units; vs. 500+
Height:60 feet; vs. 100 feet (current design; no limit under 8-30g)
Setbacks:Enforceable under 8-30g; vs. can go up to property line under 8-30g
Mixed use:Restaurants and retail walkng paths; vs. residential only under 8-30g
Affordability:20% (at 80% of mean income = 14 units within 1/4 mile; vs. 30% (15% at 80% mean income, plus 15% at 60% mean)
Architectural design:Yes; vs. no under 8-30g
Artists’ rendering of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
Sightline to river: Yes; vs. no
River access:Yes; vs. no
Marina:Public access with transient spots; vs. no marina required under 8-30g
Parking:Underground to preserve look and space; vs. above ground under 8-30g (no minimal requirements)
Traffic improvements:Upgrades, including traffic lights and turning; vs. no traffic upgrades required under 8-30g
Proposed traffic improvements, in the Hamlet plan.
Remediation: Will remove soil and remediate land; vs. only cap soil while leaving toxins under 8-30g
Drainage:Improvements, including filtering; vs. no drainage plan required under 8-30g
Sewer use:114 total keys online (57 + 57); vs. 500+ units may require additional expenses
Tax revenues:$6 million+ added to Grand List; vs. could generate more costs than revenue under 8-30g
School costs and impact:Minimal impact from 57 units; vs. likely large impact from 500+ units
Police Department:Minimal impact from 57 units; vs. greater impact from 500+ units
Fire Department:Fire chief signed off on fire lanes; vs. new equipment may be needed under 8-30g
Connectivity to Main Street:Shuttle provided; vs. no connectivity under 8-30g
Walkability:Mixed use, with boardwalk connection to Gault development; vs. no river access likely under 8-30g
Community use:Marina, paths, kids’ club, local food court; vs. not required under 8-30g.
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out; your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags —email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. tonight (the end of the fireworks show).
Enjoy the show! Then share it with all the rest of us. Thank you!
A great shot from last year. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved a proposal by Chris Tait and Andrew Colabella to name the pickleball courts there in honor of Tom Lowrie.
It’s a fitting tribute to the man who has done more to promote the sport in Westport than anyone.
And who turns 97 tomorrow. Happy birthday, and congratulations, Tom!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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The Planning & Zoning Commission begins its 65-day deliberation period of The Hamlet at Saugatuck this Monday (July 7, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s a work session. The public can observe, but not participate.
Hamlet’s 65-day period begins.
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Alicia Murphy is making the most of her summer internship with Wakeman Town Farm.
A rising senior at the University of Mary Washington, she is majoring in environmental science. Her concentration is in sustainability and soil science.
Growing up in a small town in rural Indiana, Alicia received an extensive agricultural education throughout high school. But she realized how destructive and unsustainable traditional farming practices really are.
At WTF she developed an interest in the newest garden. Recently reclaimed as a part of the farm, the land has suffered a significant degree of soil compaction and topsoil degradation, making it difficult for plants to thrive.
Alicia’s goal is to create a plan for sustainable, long-lasting remediation.
On July 16 (2 p.m., Tim’s Kitchen), she’ll describe her summer work, soil restoration, small-scale sustainable practices, and solutions for compacted and depleted farmland. The public is invited.
Mike Borchetta — a 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died recently. He was 84.
According to Nashville Post, his resume in Los Angeles and Nashville included stints as president of Lofton Creek Records, Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury, Philips Records and Rebel Engine.
As vice president of promotion at Curb Records from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, Borchetta played a key role in signing of Tim McGraw.
Much earlier, as a Staples student, he brought Bo Diddley, Harvey & the Moonglows and Dave “Baby” Cortez to town.
Borchetta and his wife Martha also bred and trained thoroughbred horses. He is survived too by his children Scott, Adelle, Chris and Angela, all of whom are in the music industry. Scott started his own label — and discovered a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Details for a service have not yet been announced.
Mike Borchetta
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from hen-pecked Greens Farms:
And finally … in honor of Mike Borchetta (obituary above):
(Today is hump day. And fireworks day. And — as always — a day to support “06880,” your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
The possibility of over 500 units of 8-30g housing — 30% of it affordable, under state guidelines — in 3 massive buildings on the Hamlet footprint in Saugatuck was not the only discussion at last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
The virtual event — which began amicably, with the unanimous approval of the Long Lots Elementary School site plan — turned hot, as the public weighed in for the final time on the Hamlet proposal itself.
It was a major step on the long road for the controversial residential/retail/ event space/marina complex. Before adjourning at 1:18 a.m., commissioners voted 6-1 to close public comment. Michael Calise offered the lone dissent.
The P&Z now has 65 days to render a decision.
Ninety minutes earlier — just before midnight — commissioner Neil Cohn made a powerful statement about the inappropriate level of vitriol, and the need to change the debate tone. The public had begun speaking at 10:10 p.m.
Still, the comments continued.
Architectural designs for the 11 buildings that would make up The Hamlet.
Frustration was expressed by proponents as well as opponents of the project.
Many comments focused on the traffic study conducted by consultants for the developer, ROAN Ventures. There were questions about the dates studied (including Rosh Hashana weekend); the lack of parking for employees. how stacked parking would work, and sightlines.
One commenter remarked on the “spillover” effect, and whether drivers avoiding the area would cause more traffic in other parts of town.
There were questions too about the lack of affordable housing. (Fourteen “below-market” rates would be built offsite). At the same time, investors are upset with the length of time the process has taken.
The Hamlet was first introduced 4 years ago. Town bodies including the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board have since given approval. It complies, ROAN and Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perrillie say, with the conditions of a text amendment, approved in 2022 by the P&Z.
One view of the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck.
Still, the questions — and strong statements — continued.
Residents wondered whether parking spots would be taken from the train station.
The Hamlet’s designers don’t live in Saugatuck, one resident said. (ROAN’s offices are on Riverside Avenue, a few yards from the Black Duck.) The people of the town know what is best for the area, another added.
Finally, the hearing was adjourned.
The Planning & Zoning Commission now has just over 2 months to reach a verdict.
But heated public comments about the Hamlet — and a possible 8-30g affordable housing project, in its place — will likely continue, on social media and blogs, and in conversations all around town.
(Catherine Campagnino contributed reporting to this story.)
Town officials have spent months debating The Hamlet: a 5-story Saugatuck development with 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms, plus retail, an event space, marina, and community gathering spots.
Soon, they may debate something else: an 8-30g proposal, with over 500 housing units. Thirty percent would be deemed affordable, under state standards.
The 70% that comprise market rate units would be a mix of condos and rentals.
Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint.
And – because it’s an 8-30g development – the town would have virtually no say regarding parking, conservation or other issues.
ROAN Ventures – the developers who spent the past 4 years trying to build the Hamlet – surprised last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting with a rough design of the plan.
The 8-30g would occupy 3 parcels of land: the Saugatuck River waterfront; the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street; and the site above Luciano Park, previously planned as the “Barn” event space.
An 8-30, with 500+ housing units in three 8-story buildings. The one on the left would be located at what is now the parking lot above Luciano Park. The middle building is in the area bordered by (from bottom, clockwise) Railroad Place, Charles Street and Riverside Avenue. The building on the right lies between Riverside Avenue and the Saugatuck River.
ROAN is still pushing the mixed-use Hamlet. Most of the P&Z’s time last night was spent discussing traffic and other issues related to that project.
Yet ROAN partner Dan Suozzi offered the 8-30g in the interest of “full transparency.” The last several months have been difficult for the developers, he said. Opponents of the Hamlet have called for a scaled-down version.
That’s not commercially viable, according to Suozzi. ROAN cannot decrease the height or size of various buildings, and deliver what it promised investors.
So, he said, they’ve been forced into exploring an 8-30g option. ROAN partner Martin Purcell told “06880” that they will file a pre-application soon with the Planning & Zoning Department.
In fact, Suozzi noted, the 8-30 would actually take less time to build — and be more financially viable — than the Hamlet. If they had wanted to do an 8-30g, he said, it could have already been completed.
Artists’ renderings of several Hamet buildings. The “Barn” — an event space overlooking Luciano Park — is at upper left.
Rumors have circulated for weeks that if the P&Z does not approve the Hamlet, a developer — not necessarily ROAN — would apply for an 8-30g. Some residents downplayed that concern. Others called it a negotiating tactic.
Suozzi reiterated that ROAN would vastly prefer the Hamlet, as proposed. He noted that those plans are in full compliance with the text amendment approved earlier by the P&Z.
But the developers also want officials and residents to know what the taller, denser option – an 8-30g, of 500-plus units – would look like.
This is not the first time an 8-30g has been planned, following long debate over plans for less intensive use. The town and neighbors spent many years fighting a proposed 47-unit development on Hiawatha Lane extension, not far from the Hamlet site. A 177-unit complex is now in the works.
Dave Briggs and I teamed up yesterday, for our first-ever Instagram Live chat.
It’s an important one. We chatted with Martin Purcell, one of the ROAN Ventures developers about their Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
We invited questions from viewers, and asked some of our own. They included traffic, employee parking, height and density — and who exactly ROAN Ventures is.
Click here or below to view the Insta Live. NOTE: It took a couple of minutes at the beginning for Martin to join the call. Indulge us as Dave and I fill dead air.
Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (June 18, 7:30 p.m., Zoom) will, as is customary, hear reports from the Golf, Racquets and Parks Advisory Committees.
But 2 special agenda items will honor longtime local volunteers.
Commissioners will hear a request to install a plaque at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve commemorating Sherry Jagerson. The environmental activist, who died last year at 80, played a key role in creating the small park on Hillspoint Road, following the demolition of Allen’s Clam House.
Sherry Jagerson, at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)
They will also discuss a request to name the Compo Beach pickleball courts in honor of Tom Lowrie. The 96-year-old stepped down last month as the town’s “pickleball ambassador.” But he is still a strong advocate for the sport he helped popularize here in town.
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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From 5-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house.
Before this month’s event they posed for Pride, with shirts that say “Proud to Care for Every Color of the Rainbow!”
Standing (from left): Genna Harrison, Dr. Stephen Grevious, Dr. Neysa McDonald, Dr. Nikki Gorman, Ashley Dushin. Front: Caleigh Porter (holding Dogtor Bill), Magali Sánchez, Taína Mercado, Evelyn Anderson (yellow shirt).
A 29-year-old East Orange, New Jersey man was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, fugitive from justice and failure to appear, following a 2019 investigation into the passage of fake $100 bills. He was unablel to post $130,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations, between June 4-11:
Texting while driving: 6 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
“06880” reported recently that Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon. He was 73. Here is his full obituary.
At Staples Wheeler captained the track and cross country teams, setting numerous school records.
At Duke University he won numerous Atlantic Coast Conference indoor and outdoor championships, and earned multiple All-American honors.
Wheeler set several Duke individual and relay team records, including the distance medley relay and 4 x mile relay.
In 1974 he became only the 67th athletes in the US to run a sub-4;00 mile.
Wheeler earned a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University in 1978, and began a 4-decade career in city and county administration.
He served as county administrator for Clackamas County, Oregon, and city manager for Tualatin and Hood River. He retired in 2018.
Wheeler was married to Nancy Newton, the current city manager of Springfield, Oregon. They shared a deep commitment to public service and civic leadership.
Wheeler was predeceased by his his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Nancy Newton; his mother, Mary L. Reyen; his brother Warren; his children Jeffrey Wheeler (Emily, and grandson Tucker); niece Gwendolyn and nephew Owen Wheeler, and their mother Haynie Wheeler; niece Lauren Wheeler, and her mother Jeannine Wheeler. He is also remembered with respect by his former wife, Pat Wheeler.
Donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Springfield Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 55, Springfield, OR 97477.
Steve Wheeler
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Village Pediatrics — mentioned in an item above — is popular with kids and parents.
And wildlife.
This guy popped up recently on the “Storywalk” — the children’s illustrations that line the walkway on the Saugatuck River, just outside the doctors’ office.
The photo comes from Dr. Nikki Gorman. She founded the practice — and finds time to take “Westport … Naturally” images like this.
And finally … James Lowe is nowhere near as famous as Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, 2 music legends who died this week.
But as the frontman for the Electric Prunes, Lowe — who died last month in California, at 82 — will be remembered by garage band fans for this hit:
(When was the last time you thought of the Electric Prunes? And when was the last time you supported “06880,” your hyper-local blog? To answer the second question, click here. Thanks!)
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