Tag Archives: Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee

Roundup: Bridge Vandals, Downtown Charette, Citi Field …

Posted on October 17, 2024 | 14 comments

Jennifer Wolff writes: “Once again, hostage poster thieves have taken to the Ruth Steinklaus Cohen Bridge and ripped down posters.

“And once again, the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives printed new ones and replaced all that was stolen.

“We have an amazing community of caring people who take it upon themselves to keep reminding Westport and beyond that these innocent folks need to come home. The RunForTheirLifers who replaced the posters include Maya Rotem, Relly Coleman, Hagar Moshe, Ana White, Lynn Rabinovici Park, Julie Podziba and Nitsan Greif.

“We are tired of this cat-and-mouse game. Whatever anyone’s opinion about the conflict in the Middle East, we all can agree that the innocent hostages — many of whom on the morning of October 7 were either dancing, making breakfast for their kids, or still  asleep — need to come home. Especially now that we have seen the conditions they are living and dying in.”

Hostage posters on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

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Got an idea for downtown?

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette next Wednesday October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).

Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.

Maps and displays will help guide discussions.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ben Casparius secured last night’s 8-0 win over the New York Mets, in game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

It’s getting routine for the 2017 Staples High School graduate — called up to the majors only in August — to come on and succeed, in relief.

But there was another local twist to yesterday’s contest.

Mets’ public address announcer Marysol Castro has lived in Westport for 19 years. The first Latina to hold the job in Major League Baseball, she had the honor of announcing her fellow resident’s name to the CitiField crowd.

And her words were heard, presumably, by millions of Americans watching too. (Hat tip: Isa Didio)

 

(Instagram courtesy of Dave Briggs)

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If you weren’t watching the Mets and Dodgers last night, maybe you were at Compo Beach for the comet show.

Franco Fellah was.

He captured this great image of Comet C-2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas.

Check out the bright dust tail on one side, and opposite the rare, faint anti-tail, pointing at the sun.

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Survivor Rowing Network connects breast cancer survivors to bond and support each other through their love of rowing.

The Saugatuck Survive-Oars are proud members of the Network. Yesterday, they were part of the story on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Click below for the fascinating segment. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

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Among the 100-plus Republican officials appearing with Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday, at a Pennsylvania rally: Westport’s former Congressman, Chris Shays.

Shays won a special election to replace Stewart McKinney, after the Republican’s death in 1987. He was elected to a full term in 1988, then re-elected 9 times.

Shays lost to Jim Himes in 2008. He was the most senior member of the House of Representatives to be defeated that year.

Other Republicans who joined Shays and Harris in Bucks County were former Representatives Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma, and former Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey.

Former Congressman Chris Shays

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Remember the Maxytaxy?

The Westport Transit District is looking for color photos of the 1970s-era Mercedes bus that traveled throughout town, picking up and depositing riders. (Its cousin, the Minnybus, did the same, but on fixed routes.)

If anyone has a piece of an old Maxytaxy — hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask! — that would be even better.

Email pgoldrtm3@gmail.com with photos or actual bus parts.

In lieu of photos of a Maxytaxy, here’s one of a Minnybus. The transfer point was Jesup Green.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 9 and 16.

A 34-year-old Stamford man was charged with interfering with an officer and breach of peace, following an investigation into a September domestic violence altercation in the Saugatuck railroad station parking lot.

A 36-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into a September theft of $850 worth of merchandise from Stop & Shop.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Failure to grant right of way: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic control regulations: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Traveling unreasonably fast in a school zone: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license: 1

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Too many Westporters — and folks everywhere else — have been affected by ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

ALS United Connecticut is sponsoring a walk this Saturday (October 19) at Sherwood Island State Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m.; the walk starts at 11.

The walk draws people together to honor all those affected by ALS, and remember those who have died. Click here for details, and registration.

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Noted artist Ruth Kalla Ungerer died Tuesday in her home on Bayberry Lane, surrounded by her family. She was 76.

The Pittsburgh native earned a bachelor of fine arts magna cum laude in sculpture from Drew University.

After years of artistic practice and raising 2 children, Ruth began a new career as director of the 1990 census operations for municipalities in New Jersey. She then spent more than 10 years at the Committee for Economic Development.

She continued her career in development leadership with non-profit organizations, including Literacy Volunteers of America, Montclair State University, the New School University and the Population Council. Her expertise was in strategic planning, corporate and foundation grantsmanship, and major individual donor solicitation.

After retiring, Ruth resumed her artistic career with a focus on printmaking. She worked independently and with fellow artists at the Center for Contemporary Printing in Norwalk and Milestone Graphics in Bridgeport.

Accompanying her husband Richard on business trips to China, Ruth worked with Zhang Dongmin and met Fan Li Jun, one of China’s most renowned artists.

In particular, Ruth pursued her love of the line and a feminist approach to the female form. Her work was shown in galleries and exhibitions across Connecticut and in Brooklyn.

Ruth received numerous awards and honors. She was active in the Artists Collective of Westport and the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, as a board member.

In addition, Ruth and husband became advocates for Montessori education around the world.

Ruth tried through her nonprofit work and arts engagement to underscore the importance of the creative spirit in enhancing the understanding of life’s complexities, as well as its wonders.

She is survived by her husband Richard, children Erika Grossman (Claire Psarouthakis) of Minneapolis, and Heather Grossman, of Urbana, Illinois, and older brother Ronald Kalla. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Alec Kalla.

Her family is grateful for the medical staff at Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital and elsewhere, and the many dedicated caregivers who supported her.

A graveside funeral service will be held tomorrow (Friday, October 18, 10 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery). Shiva will be observed in her home that day, from noon to 6 p.m. .

To share online condolences, click here. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Artists Collective of Westport.

Ruth Ungerer

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows a suburban intersection of nature and the man-made environment.

Susan Garment spotted this bobcat mother, and 2 of her 3 kittens, frolicking by Susan’s back yard pool.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … today is Forgive an Ex Day. Enjoy!

(From Citi Field to Kelly Clarkson to comets in the sky, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We couldn’t do it without you, though. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Police, Politics

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Roundup: Mary Young P&Z, Halloween Painting & Parade, Bite & Dig …

Posted on October 3, 2024 | 9 comments

To the chagrin of many builders, homeowners, architects and others who have worked with her, Mary Young is stepping down as Planning & Zoning Department director. Her last day is Friday.

Mary tells “06880”:

It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve the residents of Westport since 2002. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. When you love what you do, it hardly feels like work, and I truly cherished my time here.

Land use decision-making is inherently a collaborative process, and Westport is fortunate to have residents who are dedicated to volunteering their time for the greater good and shaping a brighter future. I have been blessed to collaborate with countless unsung heroes who tirelessly advocate for transparency and meaningful change.

As I step aside, I sincerely hope that the residents of Westport will embrace my successor, who has truly earned this position. I believe my legacy will thrive in her continued success. Thank you all for your support and commitment to the Westport community.

I’d like to add my personal thanks to Mary. She has always treated the media with fairness and respect. She is quick to respond to questions, always forthright, and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you, Mary, for making my job easier — and for always having Westport’s best interests in mind.

Mary Young

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t’s b-a-a-a-a-c-k!

The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 26.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event.

Elementary and middle school children paint a store window they request, or that is assigned to them.

Elementary and middle schools winners in 3 categories — Scariest Art Work, Best Halloween Theme and Most Original — earn gift certificates. Click here to sign up.

That’s just the start. On October 29, the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Parade begins at 3:30 p.m., at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection.

Costumed kids will walk to Avery Place, then enjoy festivities on Veterans Green across from Town Hall.

Scenes from last year’s window painting contest.

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Westport resident Dave Briggs films intriguing videos for Cheddar, the business, finance and tech website.

The other day he was at a New York location of Dig, the Northeast restaurant chain. Dave was shooting a story on Bite, whose AI-powered kiosks are found at quick-serve spots everywhere.

Chatting with Bite CEO Brandon Barton about the advantages of self-service — ease and comfort; more opportunities for add-sons; “friction-less and pressure-less,” and of course potential cost savings — Dave learned that Barton is also a Westporter.

But that’s not all. Turns out Dig founder Adam Eskin also lives here.

Sounds like Dig needs to open a location here. Then Dave can tape another video, without any of the principals leaving town.

Click here for the clip, on the Cheddar website.

Screenshot of Dave Briggs (left) with Brandon Barton.

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Last year’s Volunteer Fair was a great success.

This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m,, Westport Library), will be even bigger and better.

The adult and youth fairs are combined into one, presenting even more opportunities for volunteerism with many non-profits, organizations, and town boards and commissions. Education, housing, government, youth, seniors, the environment — those interests, and many others, are all represented.

Adult and teen attendees can speak with staff members, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.

Last year’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library.

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Got an old vehicle you’d like to get rid of, but refuse to donate it to 1-800-KarsForKids because they’ve tortured us with the most obnoxious jingle in the history of advertising for the past 20 years?

The Westport Fire Department wants you! (And yours.)

They train for life-saving rescues by using donated cars and trucks.

Any make, model or condition is fine. It can be damaged, even non-working.

Like NPR, they’ll even tow it for free.

For more information — or to cut right to the chase, and schedule a pickup — call 203-341-5003, or email jkronenberger@westportct.gov.

Westport firefighters practice on a donated vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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This Sunday (October 6, 11 a.m., meeting at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot), the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives commemorates the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel with a “peaceful and apolitical march through town.”

Marchers will carry signs to remember the 101 hostages who remain in captivity. They’ll be joined by local clergy from different denominations, and community leaders.

Every Sunday for a year, residents have marched through town, in all kinds of weather.

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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s newest “In Focus” newsletter has been posted to the town website.

Among the items: an update on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s work, and a reminder about illegal clear-cutting, filling and dumping in and near wetlands and watercourses.

Click here for the full newsletter.

40% of Westport properties are on or close to wetlands or watercourses. This pond is near Partrick Wetlands. (Photo/Scott Smith)

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The Westport Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” yesterday morning, at McDonald’s, was a great success.

Many patrons stopped for a chat with our officers. There were smiles all around.

And no tickets.

One “06880” reader appreciates the outreach, but offers a suggestion for next time: Choose a locally owned coffee shop, rather than one of the biggest chains in the world.

Coffee and conversation. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)

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Speaking of cops: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 25 and October 2.

A 40-year-old man from Nutley, New Jersey and a 32-year-old man from Paterson, New Jersey were charged with larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, following a shoplifting at Ulta Beauty. Officer stopped the suspects’ vehicle on Post Road East, near the Fairfield line. A female suspect has been identified, and is being investigated.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 2
  • Improper use of marker plates: 2
  • Reckless endangerment: 1
  • Transporting a child 5-8 years old, 40-60 pounds without restraints: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration: 1
  • Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1

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Over the last 15 years, the Push Against Cancer fundraiser has grown from a small community fundraiser to a giant push-up festival raising funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.

Hundreds of Westporters will join the push-up marathon on Sunday, October 20 (8 a.m., Staples High School).

Registration starts at $40 per participant. It includes Push Against Cancer gear, and a fundraising web page to engage friends and family. Click here to sign up, and for more information.

Participants at last year’s Push Against Cancer.

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Unite the World With Africa Foundation‘s Westport supporters are collecting medical supplies for Kitanga, a small Tanzanian village that is accessible only by water.

Items needed include stethoscopes; blood pressure machines; pulse oximeters;  green, dark blue or black scrubs (small); glucometers and hemoglobinometers.

Odds are, you don’t have any of those lying around your house.

No problem!

Click here; the select the “Unite Medical” address at checkout to have the items shipped directly.

If you actually have them on hand — or want them shipped to you — you can drop them off at Village Pediatrics, 323 Riverside Avenue.

Residents of Kitanga, Tanzania need medical supplies.

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“Moms in Security” — a Westport-based nonprofit focused on ending human trafficking and child exploitation — hosts a fundraising 5K walk at Compo Beach Saturday (8 a.m.).

All ages are invited. Click here to register or donate. All proceeds support Moms in Security’s programs and initiatives.

Questions? Email tiffany@momsinsecurity.com.

 

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Jaime Hastings, executive director of the Arthur Miller Foundation, spoke Tuesday to the Westport Rotary Club.

For the past 10 years, the Arthur Miller Foundation has been increasing equitable access to quality theater education for public school students by certifying and supporting teachers to build sustainable in-school theater programs.

They currently support theater teachers in New York City, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Public Schools.

Jaime Hastings (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Sure, we posted a great bee photo on Monday, right here in “Westport … Naturally.”

But this one is equally cool. Photographer Jen Greely says: “This early fall scene in my garden shows 3 bees nectaring from a single dahlia. I guess it’s more fun with friends.”

(Photo/Jen Greely)

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And finally … between Tanzania, Israel, schools in Bridgeport and Norwalk, and stories in our own back yard, today’s Roundup proves once again that “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” So …

(If you enjoy learning about Westport — and the world — through “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Police

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Latest Downtown Plan: 3-Story Deck On Parker Harding

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 39 comments

First came the Parker Harding Plaza redesign. Merchants and shoppers howled at the loss of 44 parking spaces.

Then came the solution: adding those spots at Jesup Green. Residents howled at the loss of several century-old trees.

This week, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will unveil its latest concept: a 3-story parking deck, covering virtually all of Parker Harding Plaza.

“I’m not sure why this hasn’t been proposed before,” says DPIC chair Randy Herbertson.

“The Baldwin lot (behind Brooks Corner) was considered for decking, but it was renovated last year without a structure.

The latest proposal: a 3-story parking structure for Parker Harding.

“Parker Harding is probably a better site. It’s even closer to Main Street. There are entrances and exits at both ends.

“And we not only won’t lose river views — we’ll gain them, by putting a park on top of the parking garage. There will be walkways, benches, trees and flowers. People could even fish from there.”

The park would cover the entire area of the parking structure.

Herbertson says that although some spaces would be lost on the lowest level due to reconfiguration to meet federal Department of Transportation and Americans with Disabilities Act standards, the entire 3-story parking lot would have “650 to 750” parking spots.

That would be enough to solve the entire downtown problem, he says — without removing a single tree from Jesup Green.

Click here to see architectural renderings of the plan.

39 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics

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[OPINION] From Where To Park, To Creating A Park: Community, Connectivity Downtown

Posted on March 26, 2024 | 16 comments

Jenna Petok moved to Westport in January 2022. Nine months later, she was appointed to the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee.

Her professional background is in marketing and placemaking for real estate and business improvement districts. Her full-time job is global head of CX at Host — CBRE’s experiential and digital tenant engagement platform. Jenna writes:

As a place-maker in real estate and community development, I aim to help Westporters understand the significance of the vision, and urgency to enhance the safety and resilience of our downtown and its rare and wonderful riverfront attribute.

Through enhancing placemaking (the participatory process of connecting culture and events with physical surroundings and real estate), wayfinding (readable directional signage for where to park, shop, dine and visit), and the activation of more open spaces, together we can create a sustainable and multi-modal downtown that we all need for the future.

Downtown is many things, to many people. (Photo/JC Martin)

Great downtowns create opportunities for primary destinations like shopping and dining, and secondary reasons to stay, linger, explore, stumble upon events and experiences, and shop and dine some more.

Currently, downtown is primarily accessible to people with cars, and leaves out to some extent pedestrians entering town by foot (lack of safe crosswalks), bikers (lack of bike lanes and bike parking), people who need accessible parking, and families with young children trying to keep them safe in parking lots and crossing unsafe crosswalks.

Cars are king downtown.

Since becoming a Westport resident, I participated in the DPIC charrettes and surveys, and heard mainly positive feedback on the plans. Beginning last June, I was shocked to find this visionary strategy and plan for our downtown suddenly reduced to the number of parking spaces available in a dangerous lot that is currently a deterrent.

Of course the lack of parking is a concern, and we need places for people to park. But if they are coming (as some merchants mentioned) to pick up their order, that is because they are coming for a single purpose and leaving. If we can work together to look holistically at the infrastructure and planning needed to give people multiple ways to get downtown and access safe parking, we will create a more economically viable downtown and surrounding area.

Cold Fusion

One reason to hang out downtown. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

I’ve also heard the argument that people don’t want to hang out in town and that green space is not needed. Perhaps this is because there is currently almost nowhere desirable to do so.

Take the other side of the river, for example, where there is a patch of green space with seating. I have spent countless times with friends and family there, where my kids can run around safely, thankful to have a place to enjoy the riverfront before or after shopping and dining.

West side of the Saugatuck River. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Community development is about collaboration and compromise. After 40 years of debate, we need to move forward urgently to begin the first part of this multiphase plan.

This will continue to be a step-by-step process with community feedback, the first of which is creating the additional parking spaces in the upper Jesup Green lot.

The newly planned lot will not only benefit merchants, but also our amazing programming at the Westport Library and Levitt Pavilion.

Let’s get started, and balance our parking needs with activating the riverfront to give future generations of Westporters and visitors the gift of a sustainable and vibrant town.

The Saugatuck River runs through downtown. (Photo/Andrew Fishman)

(“06880” covers all sides of the continuing downtown debate. If you enjoy our hyper-local journalism, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: School Security Unit, DPIC Comments, Lyman Update …

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 10 comments

Westport’s new School Security Unit begins work Monday (September 11).

The unit is a partnership of  the Police Department and Board of Education. Funding was approved unanimously this week by the Representative Town Meeting.

Officer Sean Kelley will be promoted to sergeant soon, and will supervise the unit. He was hired by the WPD in 2000, and has served as a detective in the Youth Division. He will be assigned to Bedford Middle School.

Officer Dennis Broderick will be assigned to Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools. He was hired a year ago, after retiring as a sergeant with the Milford Police Department, where he spent over half his 20-year career in the Detective Bureau.

Corporal Rachel Hall will be assigned to Saugatuck and Kings Highway Elementary Schools. She was hired in 2016, after beginning her career with the Ridgefield Police Department. She is a member of the Marine, Motorcycle and Drone Units, and served as a desk officer.

Officer Edward “Ned” Batlin will be assigned to Long Lots and Greens Farms Elementary Schools.  He was hired in 2001, and was the DARE officer for many years. He is very active with local sports, at the high school and PAL levels.

Though the SSOs will primarily remain outside of the schools, they will work directly with administrators as needed.

In addition to providing enhanced security, they will  focus on traffic enforcement and safety concerns during student drop-off and pick-up.

Officer Ed Wooldridge will continue as Staples’ highly regarded and very popular School Resource Officer.

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John McCarthy has been adamant recently about the need for more openness and transparency in local town government.

So he took notice yesterday when the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee posted scores of comments, following their Parker Harding Plaza August 22 charrette at the Westport Library.

“Kudos to the DPIC,” John says.

“It took a lot of work to get the comments typed up. I would have been happy with just copies of people’s handwritten notes,  but nice to see they went the  extra yard.”

Click here to read them all. It’s a great way to get a feel for the pulse of the community.

Members of the public were invited to comment after last month’s Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting about Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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On Wednesday, the Flood & Erosion Board approved Vita Design Group’s plan to build a house next door to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue.

A “Friends of the Park” group is concerned that the park will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be “forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls” encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, and wildlife, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected.

They invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.

The next hearing is before the full Conservation Board, on September 13.

Eloise A. Ray Park

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The bad news is: In Lyman, dozens of apartment buildings need repair before winter sets in.

The good news: It’s been several weeks since Russians attacked our Ukrainian sister city. And Westporters’ donations have already helped shore up 15 apartment buildings.

Ukraine Aid International’s Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded the boots-on-the-ground non-profit, and helped engineer our town’s sister city relationship — provided an update yesterday.

He told First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and “06880” that a construction firm is doing the dangerous work of repairing roofs and windows, to enable the damaged apartments to withstand the coming snow and freezing temperatures.

Mayer recently visited Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov. Behind his desk is a shelf filled with items sent from Westport.

Tooker and Koskinas are in near daily contact with the mayor and Lyman police chief. Each time, the Ukrainian officials tell their Westport counterparts how much our town’s support means to them.

(Donations through Ukrainian Aid International will help rebuild the many heavily damaged apartments. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

In July — just hours after a Russian attack killed 8 Lyman residents — Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov sent a video thanking Westporters for their support.

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Connecticut’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony drew a reverent crowd yesterday to Sherwood Island State Park, the site of the state’s official memorial.

From that spot in 2001, smoke from the Twin Towers was visible.

Connecticut holds its ceremony before the September 11 anniversary, so relatives and friends of those killed in the terrorist attack can also attend the New York memorial on that day.

Yesterday’s 9/11 memorial, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Harris Falk)

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Westoberfest — the Westport Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest-style event — has something for everyone.

There’s beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries, sure.

But also live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub;  a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; a pumpkin and apple giveaway; food trucks, shopping and vendors like Savvy + Grace.

Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.

It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Westoberfest is for beer drinkers — and families. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Jennifer Johnson spotted this ship in Long Island Sound, earlier this morning.

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

“What is it dumping?” she asks.

I have no idea. But I’m sure someone in our “06880” universe does. Click “Comments” below, if you know.

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A service for Rev. Ted Hoskins — the former and much-loved Saugatuck Congregational Church pastor who died last month — will be held this Sunday (September 10, 2 p.m.) in Blue Hill, Maine. Doug Miller — Rev. Hoskins’ former associate minister in Westport — will officiate.

The service will be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

Rev. Ted Hoskins (Photo courtesy of Penobscot Bay Press)

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Forget car washes and candy sales. The Staples High School girls swim and dive team has a fundraiser that will really make you smile: a comedy show.

Their first-ever “Dive Into Comedy” (get it?!) event includes 4 comedians who have slayed it in laces like Caroline’s, Stand Up New York, Broadway Comedy Club and The Stress Factory.

It’s September 28, at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Click here for tickets (adults 21+ only).

“Don’t tread water. Get your tickets today!” the girls say. Hah!

“Make people laugh,” the photographer told the Staples swim and dive team. They did.

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But speaking of sports team car washes: The Staples boys soccer team holds theirs tomorrow. It’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Christ & Holy Trinity Church parking lot on Elm Street.

Like the girls swim team, they’re raising money for costs not covered by the Board of Education budget.

Workin’ at the (boys soccer) car wash…

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Gary Lucas — a rock guitarist lauded by Bruce Springsteen and Lou Reed, who collaborated with Captain Beefheart and Jeff Buckley — is the latest StoryFest addition.

He’ll rock the Westport Library October 22 (2 p.m.), accompanying George Melford’s 1931 Spanish-language “Dracula” film with a live guitar score.

Lucas will add even more to the largest literary festival in Connecticut. This year’s 6th annual event (October 20-22) includes a keynote conversation  with legendary writer Neil Gaiman; panel discussions and author conversations; a special reading of Eric LaRocca’s new play, “Gentle Hacksaw”; a children’s event with Pinkalicious author Victoria Kann, and PitchFest (a 5-hour paid workshop where aspiring authors can speak to literary agents about their book. Click here for more information.

Gary Lucas (Photo/Michael Arkk)

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It’s not yet fall — but this guy is getting ready for winter, at Tracy Porosoff’s kousa dogwood tree. Nothing could be more “Naturally … Westport.”

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Steve Harwell, former lead singer of Smash Mouth, died Monday. in Idaho. He was 56, and suffered from liver failure.

(There is a lot going on in town. And “06880” covers it all. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Library, Police, Staples HS

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Roundup: Parker Harding Parking, OMG Open Hours, Merit Money …

Posted on May 13, 2023 | 21 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee continues its work.

One “06880” reader is worried about one aspect of it. She shares this letter, which she sent this week to the group:

“I understand that at this morning’s meeting (which I could not attend) the discussion of losing 44 parking spaces in the Parker Harding lot was discussed.

“I believe this will be detrimental to our stores downtown. There is already a shortage of parking during peak (and many other) hours.

“I believe that the solution of taking a bus from town to Imperial Avenue is not a good solution for shoppers. It is inconvenient for folks who are only in town for a short while.

“I believe — and always have — that the store employees who park all day should use the shuttle service and parking at Imperial Avenue.

“I understand that some store managers felt that their employees ‘wouldn’t do that.’ When I worked in a town like this many years ago with similar parking issues, we were told we would be fired if caught parking in spots reserved for shoppers.

“It’s not a big deal if they are there all day. Managers are being over-dramatic if they did position this in that manner.

“I understand the value of the greening/beautification project, but we need to keep shoppers coming to town and keep our stores in business. It’s all too easy to shop on the internet these days.

“Thank you for your consideration of this concern.”

Up to 44 parking spots may be lost in the Parker Harding Plaza lot, in concepts under consideration by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committe.

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Summer hours begin Monday at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

The Hillspoint Road spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream and much more, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Ready for summer.

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MoCA hosts 2 very different concerts within 48 hours of each other next week.

On Thursday (May 18), New York-based punk band Darling performs a 30-minute set, following a curator talk with Emann Odufu, as part of the “Cocktails & Conversation” series.

Emann is the curator of the current “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition featuring Anselm Reyle. His practice is inspired by his participation in the punk and heavy metal music movements, and his fascination with psychedelic and punk aesthetics.

Two nights later (Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.), MoCA welcomes back Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker. This year, she offers a tribute to Joni Mitchell.

Click here for more information, and tickets.

Michelle Pauker

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Speaking of music: 2018 Staples High grad and Berklee College of Music singer/songwriter Margot Liotta just released her latest single.

It’s available on tons of platforms. Click here for your favorite.

Margot Liotta

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Westport’s 3 National Merit Scholarship $2,500 winners attend 3 different schools.

Congratulations to Staples High School’s Lucia Wang (also the valedictorian), Alexis Bienstock of Westport’s Pierrepont School, and Joy Xu (Hopkins School).

From left: Alexis Bienstock and Lucia Wang.

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The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.

June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.

A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.

The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)

The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.

Can’t attend, but want to support and/or listen to the album? Vinyl and digital copies are available via Bandcamp.

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Longtime Westporter and noted civic volunteer Irma Schachter, wife of Joseph Schachter, died Thursday after a short illness. She was 95 years old.

Irma was an early female leader in the male-dominated retail store management field of the 1950s. Her career started after completing the Harvard-Radcliff Business School program with a position at Abraham & Strauss, and continued at G. Fox & Co., Bloomingdale’s, as manager of Burdine’s department store in Miami Beach, and a Lord & Taylor vice president managing 7 New England stores.

She attended what is now Northfield-Mount Hermon School. She was recently honored by the Northfield Alumni Association with its rarely given Lamplighter Award for outstanding service to the school, achieving 100% yearly participation by her entire class in support of the annual fund.

She attended Hartford Junior College, and graduated from Connecticut College.

In Westport, she supported the new Library and Norwalk Hospital

She married Joe Schachter in 1966, after his wife — Irma’s friend Carol Kagan — died at 34. She helped raise Carol and Joe’s 3 young sons, and soon legally adopted them.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Ted (Susan) of Los Angeles, Stephen (Carrie) of Gainesville, Florida, and David (Danny) of Belmont, California; niece Carmen Carrol (Christopher); nephew Andrew Klein, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, May 14, 1 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk). Shiva will be Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. at 28 Mayflower Parkway, Westport.

Irma and Joe Schachter.

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Peter Green — a highly accomplished stained glass artist also active in several other art forms — died earlier this year at Bridgeport Hospital, of pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

He was the founder in 1971, and co-owner with his wife of 48 years Tina, of Westport’s Renaissance Studio. Click here for a 2012 “06880”story on that artistic journey.

His 5-decade career as a stained glass artist was marked by many commissions and installations in Westport and the tri-state area. He and Tina taught stained glass classes at their studio and in area adult education programs.

After 30 years on Saugatuck Avenue, the studio moved in 2003 to the Greens’ home on Imperial Avenue. Tina continues to operate it.

Peter designed and installed stained glass windows and panels in hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, and for religious institutions. His Installations include Temple Israel in Westport, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston, and St. Joseph’s Church in Stratford.

A member of the Stained Glass Association of America, he was also a successful woodturner, photographer and painter. He was a past president of the Nutmeg Woodturners at the Brookfield Craft Center. His unique works graced the covers of Wood Turning and Stained Glass magazines.

Peter’s first career was in music. After graduating from Adelphi University in 1968, he played guitar in The Villagers folk group. They opened for Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-’60s at Adelphi. He played for the rest of his life for family and friends.

An Army Reserve veteran, he was also an avid sailor, surfer, kayaker and cyclist. He swam regularly at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Peter frequently researched, read and combed the recorded music collection at his beloved Westport Library.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Andrew of Westport and Charlotte of Greenwich; his sister Susan Behan of Longboat Key, Florida; his brother Bob Green of Kapaa, Hawaii; his mother-in-law Anna Godick of Westport, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial celebration of his life is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to The Westport Library or the American Cancer Society.

Peter Green

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Burying Hill Beach is Johanna Keyser Rossi’s happy place.

And here — happily — is her “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … happy 73rd birthday to Stevie Wonder.

There are way too many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 from his now-overlooked, but very productive, mid-1960s/early-1970s years:

(If you enjoy our daily “06880” music selections, it would be “wonder”-ful to help support the blog. Please click here — and thank you!)

21 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Education, Entertainment, Obituaries

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Roundup: Parker Harding, Longshore, Speakeasy …

Posted on February 23, 2023 | 8 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s project has begun.

Public Works Department employees assisted town engineers and Langan consultants yesterday, as they dug test pits for the renovation.

Site work downtown. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)

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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting next Thursday (March 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

The one agenda item is the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

Longshore Club Park

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Looking for a historic speakeasy in Westport, featuring jazz, food, drink and gambling?

Head to the Suzuki Music School in Colonial Green on March 4 (7 p.m.). The basement will be transformed into the type of illicit space F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald knew well from their time here.

The Rich Goldstein Trio and Joe Carter Trio will perform. Tickets ($125) include food and drink, and $25 of (charity) gambling chips. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Proceeds benefit the Suzuki Music Schools, and Westport Museum of History & Culture.

The evening marks the mid-event of the 2023 Connecticut Guitar Festival. Opening night at MoCA Westport (Friday, March 3) features  classical guitarist Rene Izquierdo and  contemporary Guitarist Jordan Dodson.

The Saturday daytime lineup includes education for young and old guitar students at MoCA: master classes, lectures, an open mic and a 3 p.m. showcase concert by the Yale Guitars.

The Guitar Festival ends Sunday at MoCA with a free children’s pillow concert headed by festival artistic director Mak Grgic, and an honors concert of young area students.

Click here for full details of the Connecticut Guitar Festival.

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Westport Police report 2 custodial arrests between February 16 and 22.

One followed a report that a family member was acting erratically. During a mental health emergency, a Westport resident swung at officers, causing minor injuries. He was charged with 2 counts of assault on a public safety employee.

The other arrest was for failure to appear.

The Police Department is still unable to report information on traffic and other citations.

One arrest last week was for failure to appear for a court date.

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Wheels2U’s on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service is free tomorrow (Friday, February 24).

The normal fee to and from the Westport and Greens Farms stations is $2.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., for rides between either train platform and their front door. Pickups for trips to the stations should be requested 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, including how to download the Wheels2U app and book a ride, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

Wheels2U.

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A Westport woman is having a hard time finding a handyman.

The work involves basic repairs, including painting, screens and other things.

She’s not on Facebook (the usual place to search for such things), and has had no luck finding one on her own. If you know of a good handyman — or you are one yourself — click “Comments” below.

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Many Westporters are away this week, for the public schools’ winter break.

These guys stuck around, and posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Liza Emilio)

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And finally … you knew this was coming, right?

(“06880” is your non-profit, hyperlocal blog. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here for details. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Transportation

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Unsung Hero #273

Posted on February 1, 2023 | 6 comments

Among his many activities, Ken Bernhard is a member of Westport’s Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. He’s a great volunteer himself. But this week he nominates a fellow member as Unsung Hero.

Ken writes:

On behalf of the entire Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, I propose Randy Herbertson as the newest member of Westport’s cadre of Unsung Heroes.

The committee, consisting of department heads, merchants, property owners and local citizens, oversees the implementation of Westport’s master plan to improve the downtown area.

Working behind the scenes, Randy brings his marketing and branding skills to bear on creating consensus and producing results. He is always exceptionally prepared and knowledgeable.

All of us on the Committee concur that Randy is an effective, strong, and engaged chair, spending countless hours volunteering his professional services.

Randy Herbertson

The results of his work over the past few years are evident and momentous. The appearance of our downtown is demonstrably improved, the Baldwin parking is a model of good planning, and we are taking major steps for the complete overall of Parking Harding.

Next will be Jesup Green and then the Imperial Avenue parking lot. His yet-to-be fully and publicly appreciated efforts are altering and improving our town in numerous ways.

“Randy gives so much to this town and asks for nothing in return, making him a true unsung hero,” says Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley — a position Randy previously held.

“He has done an incredible job mixing his creative background and passion for Westport, which will ultimately lead to a new and beautiful downtown,” said local businessman Maxwell Crowley.

Mary Young, Westport’s Planning and Zoning director, adds, “Randy is a visionary who unleashes the untapped potential of Westport’s downtown. He has the patience of a saint, and is willing to wade through the bureaucracy of securing local and state approvals. His energy is infectious. Randy Herbertson is a jewel and should be treasured.”

“Randy is most definitely an unsung hero, helping Westport become an even more wonderful and beautiful place in which to live. He is doing a great job leading the committee. My hat is off to him. He has earned our gratitude,” says Tony Riggio, past president of Westport Rotary and team leader with Builders Beyond Borders.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(You can be a hero too! Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: Downtown Plan, Coastal Living, Dracula …

Posted on March 11, 2021 | 4 comments

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There’s a new sheriff downtown.

Randy Herbertson replaces Dewey Loselle as chair of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. Loselle — former chief operations for the chair — resigned recently, after many years in the post.

Herbertson is president of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association. He owns The Visual Brand, a design agency on Church Lane.

The DPIC is responsible for carrying out the Downtown Master Plan. Under Loselle, the group implemented streetscape improvements on Elm Street, new sidewalks and lights on Main Street, Veterans Green sidewalks and more.

1st Selectman Jim Marpe — who appointed Herbertson to the post — thanked Loselle for his long service.

Randy Herbertson

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Speaking of planning:

Neighbors watched warily all winter, as activity began on 12 acres of land bordered by Clapboard Hill Road, Morningside Drive South and Turkey Hill Road South.

Stakes with pink strips appeared in the ground, and a new gravel path was built from Clapboard Hill.

Is one of the town’s last large tracts of private property being developed?

Plans are underway for several new homes. There are wetlands issues, and the Conservation Commission required those borders to be withdrawn. The permitting process with other town boards is still in the early stages too.

Meanwhile, another home nearby is being built on a separate property.

(Photo/Nicholas Eisenberger)

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I usually avoid posting links to listicle stories: “50 Best Suburbs For Seniors!” “Top 500 Schools in America!”

They’re clickbait. Their methodology is dubious at best, and manipulable for their own demographics. Besides, if Staples High School is #1 in one poll, then #2 in the next, taxpayers get all their knickers in a twist.

But Coastal Living’s “Best Beach Towns: Dreamy Places to Live” issue is worth noting — if only for the writeup. It’s the way the world (or at least that portion of it that reads Coastal Living) sees us:

“You can’t imagine the volume of COVID refugees,” says Shari Lebowitz, citing the cheering sight of new families with baby strollers and slow-waling toddlers along the tidy sidewalks of this leafy enclave on Long Island Sound.”

The magazine says that Lebowitz — owner of Bespoke Designs — moved here for “a cultured little town that supported entrepreneurs. Westport, driven by small waterways with open space for wildlife, also has a charming stretch of tawny beach that serves as the town’s outdoor living room all summer long. (Dogs and their happy owners take over in the off season.)”

MoCA Westport is a “small contemporary art museum that punches well above its weight with arts education, performances, and world-class exhibitions.”

Lebowitz gets the last word: “I can make coffee and drive down to drink it on the beach every morning before work. What more could I want?” (Hat tips: Lisa Gold, Tom Feeley)

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What better way to mark the 1-year anniversary of the COVID lockdown than with a horror show?

This Sunday (March 14, 6 p.m.), a worldwide audience can fire up the computer and listen to “Dracula.” Staples Players presents the 4th in their winter radio shows via livestream, at www.wsptfm.org.

Following 6 previous radio shows this pandemic year, “Dracula” promises to be another smash. It’s a great drama. Cast and crew have been hard at work perfecting timing, sound effects, and (of course) their Transylvanian accents.

Jamie Mann, David Corro and Violet Cooper have key roles. David Roth and Kerry Roth co-produce the show; Don Rickenback is music director, and Geno Heiter oversees the audio.

NOTE: If you missed the original broadcasts of 2 previous Players radio shows — “Little Women” and “Sorry, Wrong Number” — they’ll be on the WWPT-FM livestream the following Sunday, March 21 (6 p.m. and 7:10 p.m., respectively).

The cast and crew of “Dracula.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

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On the Staples sports scene:

Last night — for perhaps the first time in Wrecker swim team history — 3 siblings swam on the same relay team.

Justin (senior), Jason (sophomore) and Jared (freshman) Lessing joined Daniel Rosenkranz. The foursome placed 2nd in the 200 freestyle relay at the Senior Day meet against Danbury. Staples’ other relay team won that race; both helped the Wreckers to take the entire meet.

Coach Todd Gordon fulfilled the Lessings’ longtime dream of swimming on a high school relay squad together. He’s a former swimmer and pitcher at Harvard University. Justin plays both sports at Staples too. This was his first meet of the year, after suffering tendinitis in his pitching arm.

From left: Jason Lessing, Jared Lessing, Daniel Rosenkranz and Justin Lessing. Daniel and Justin are co-captains.

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More Staples news: Congratulations to Students of the Month Moses Beary, Marley Brown, Gianna Amatuzzi, Camryn Zukowski, Sophie Hekmat, Quinn McMahon and Maggie Montoya.

The awardees — nominated by teachers — are students who help make Staples High School a welcoming place for peers and teachers. Principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the ‘glue’ of community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together.”

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Westport’s yard waste site resumes regular hours of operation, starting this Monday (March 15): weekdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon.

The location is 180 Bayberry Lane (by the Westport Weston Health District).

Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.

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Temperatures are ticking up into the 60s. Daylight Savings starts Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Avenue parking lot snow bank shows no signs of melting.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

We will mark its progress by various dates: Easter. May Day. Memorial Day. The 4th of July …

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State Senator Will Haskell is the new chair of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee. He previously chaired the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.

“For the last 2 years, I’ve kept a Metro-North timetable from 1970 on my desk in the Senate,” the 2014 Staples High School graduate says.

“Over the last 5 decades those trains have gotten slower, not faster. It’s time to reverse that trend by investing in green infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs and helping our constituents get where they need to go.”

State Senator Will Haskell, with a Metro-North train.

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And finally … Lawrence Welk was born today in 1903. He died in 1992, at 89. A one, an’ a two …

 

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Name That Lot!

Posted on September 10, 2018 | 33 comments

You may have heard the name Sigrid Schultz.

A pioneering female war correspondent, broadcaster and author who risked her life to expose Nazi secrets to the world, she hid her Jewish heritage from the likes of Hitler, Goering and Goebbels, whom she loathed but entertained in her Berlin home for the sole purpose of extracting information.

Sigrid Schultz

After Schultz and her mother fled Germany, they bought a house and barn at 35 Elm Street. When Sigrid died in 1980, the town demolished her home to expand the Baldwin parking lot.

This famous woman has remained largely unknown in her adopted hometown. But that may change soon, if a Downtown Plan Implementation Committee recommendation to name the new Elm Street parking lot — the one next to Bedford Square, created by the demolition of Villa del Sol directly opposite the Baldwin lot — is approved by the Board of Selectmen, acting as the town’s Traffic Authority.

Then again, it may not be named the Sigrid Schultz Parking Lot.

DPIC member Dewey Loselle suggested celebrating former Public Works head Steve Edwards. The longtime but low-key director nixed that idea.

Another suggestion was to honor the residents of 22 1/2 Main Street — the African American boardinghouse that went up in flames (probably arson) nearly 70 years ago. The location was adjacent to the new parking lot.

It might be tough coming up with an appropriate name — “22 1/2 Main Street lot” would be too confusing for the Elm Street address.

But that hasn’t hasn’t stopped one Westporter from taking a second look.

Chip Stephens grew up here. As a Planning & Zoning Commission member, he attends DPIC meetings. He wants to make sure the name of the new lot reflects town sentiment — not simply the will of one committee.

Pete Wassell

Perhaps, he says, the lot should be named after the Wassell brothers. Harry, Bud and Pete were all killed within 15 months of each other, during World War II.

Or, Stephens says, maybe there are other Westporters we should consider.

So let’s have a townwide discussion, right here on “06880.” Click “Comments” to offer suggestions, and debate the ideas.

Sure, it’s only a parking lot. But, as Stephens notes, “it will be there forever.”

FUN FACTS: So who is this Baldwin that the other Elm Street lot is named for? Herb Baldwin — a former first selectman. 

And on the other side of Main Street, Parker Harding Plaza is named for co-sponsors Emerson Parker and Evan Harding. Fortunately — considering the state of that parking lot — everyone has forgotten those two.

36 Elm Street was demolished in January, to make room for a new parking lot next to Bedford Square. (Photo/Jen Berniker)

 

33 Comments

Posted in Downtown, History, Local politics, Organizations, People, Transportation

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