Tag Archives: Westport Housing Authority

Roundup: Absentee Ballots, Traffic Safety, Longshore Shed …

Posted on October 16, 2024 | 4 comments

“06880” has reported several times on early voting — used for the first time in Connecticut this fall for a presidential election. (Click here, then scroll down for details.)

Here’s info on absentee ballots:

Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if you cannot appear at your assigned polling place on Election Day because of active service in the military, absence from the town in which you are eligible to vote, sickness, religious tenets that forbid secular activity on the day of the election, duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting, or physical disability. To receive your absentee ballot, please complete, sign, and submit an application online.

Please provide your name, date of birth, and town as it appears in the voter record in order to look up and verify your voter information.

Click here to complete an absentee ballot request.

==================================================

The second Westport Safety Action Plan public meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 17, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Officials will present results of the recent public survey, and offer safety analysis and information on project selection.

Click here to learn more about the Westport Safety Action Plan.

=================================================

Westport has begun the process to replace the maintenance building in Longshore.

That’s the shed that, ever since the town bought the 188-acre property in 1960, has occupied prime real estate, between the Inn and tennis court/pool parking lots.

The new site may be where the brush dump is now located.

Click here for more information.

==================================================

This is the final week for Play With Your Food.

There was a performance yesterday of the staged reading, script-in-hand series (plus delicious lunch) that has entertained and delighted audiences at local venues for 20 years.

There have been 350 performances, with 200 professional actors and 135 playwrights.

Additional shows are today (Wednesday) at the Pequot Library in Southport, and tomorrow (Thursday) at Greenwich Arts Council.

“All good things must come to an end,” Carole Schweid, artistic director for the series’ organizer, JIB Productions, told “06880” in July.

She has had health issues, and executive producer Diana Muller is retiring.

Many local actors turned out to say farewell yesterday. The cast included several long-time favorites, including Weston’s James Naughton.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker awarded Schweid honorary recognition for the 2-decade run of one-act plays.

“They have been theatrical jewels for Westport theater fans,” says Marcia Falk.

She’s volunteered with the crew for 7 years. “I loved being part of such an exceptional Westport tradition,” Marcia says.

Brava, Carole and Diana. Thank you for 20 years of inspiring, thought-provoking, and much-needed entertainment!

Of course, audiences at the final Westport “Play With Your Food” performance celebrated with cake. (Photo/Marcia Falk)

================================================

Michael Chait is a Westport photographer, known for his fresh looks at familiar local images.

Now those photos will be on sale, at a pre-holiday discount of 30%.

The event is Sunday, November 10 (2 to 5 p.m.) at his studio — which, fittingly, is in one of Westport’s most historic buildings.

It’s on the second floor of 11 Riverside Avenue. The building — long owned by the Gault family — is where, in the 1800s, merchant ships tied up.

National Hall (Photo/Michael Chait)

==================================================

It’s been a big year for Dustin Lowman.

The 2011 Staples High School and 2015 Middlebury College graduate performed at his first music festival (Black Bear Americana Fest); began hosting a Bob Dylan series at Cafe Wha?; opened for prominent artists like Marcellus Hall, Will Dailey and Ira Wolf, and got his first radio airplay.

Now he’s released his first new music in 6 years.

“Invulnerable” — his album of original songs — is available now. It straddles 2 stylistic worlds: the discursive balladeering of archetypal folk, and the more impressionistic lyricism of post-Dylan folk.

Dustin — who performed at last summer’s Soundview Stroll at Compo Beach — is booking concerts for the coming months.

We look forward to his “bringing it all back home.” In the meantime, you can listen to “Invulnerable” below. (Be sure to click the three-stripe icon in the upper right.)

==================================================

Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are seniors Brianna Caporale and Henry Lobsenz, juniors Sarah Kalb and Grady McHugh, sophomores Jace Darby and Maya Stafford, and freshmen Derin Leon and Moni Mazaheri.

Those students “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike,” says principal Stafford Thomas.

“They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”

Nominations come from teachers, who select “all-around good citizens.”

October Students of the Month (from left): Grady McHugh, Henry Lobsenz, Derin Leon, Jace Darby, Sarah Kalb, Maya Stafford, Brianna Caporale. Missing: Moni Mazaheri.

================================================

More Staples news: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Cohn and Olivia Saw will represent the schools next months, at the 11th Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit in Le Havre, France.

Delegates are  high performing students interested in world affairs. At the event, the Westporters and other teens from 18 countries around the globe will develop action plans to address an issue affecting their community and the world — then implement them.

From left: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Saw, Olivia Cohn.

==================================================

More Staples news: The cheer team hosts an Election Day clinic for grades 1-8 (November 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

It’s fun — and a fundraiser for the squad.

The fee of $75 before November 1, $85 after includes lunch and a t-shirt. Click here to register.

==================================================

Many drivers treat the stop sign at Bayberry Lane and Easton Road as a suggestion, not a command.

Perhaps this recent addition will make them put on the brakes, and pay attention:

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

==================================================

Several readers sent photos of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet that streaked over the area yesterday.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to photograph a comet. They’re far away, and they fly by fast.

Here’s one that shows a bit of the show, from Gabriela Hayes in Weston:

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

==================================================

Affordable housing — one of Westport’s hottest topics — was the subject of yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club luncheon talk.

David Newberg — chair of the Westport Housing Authority since 2004 — discussed the past, present and future of local affordable housing.

The WSA owns, manages and develops affordable housing in town. Their 221 units house 450 people, most of whom are from Westport. The WHA has spent $65 million dollars over the years restoring and developing these units.

Newberg said that the major obstacle to building more units to meet demand is the scarcity of buildable land. The major reason that land is so hard to come by, he noted, is that people generally do not want affordable housing in their neighborhoods. It can take years to get land allocated for this purpose.

David Newberg, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

==================================================

Nature is always on view at Sherwood Island State Park.

This week, Deb Krayson captured an Alfred Hitchcock-themed image for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Deb Krayson)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the Sherwood Island photo above:

(It is always the season to support “06880.” Please click here for a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Politics, Staples HS, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , ,

Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Music Honors, Homelessness Help Award …

Posted on June 14, 2024 | 2 comments

It’s a double celebration for Westport kids: Today is both the last day of school, and the second day of the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The annual event — with roots dating way back to the early 20th century — opened yesterday, at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue.

It continues today (Friday, 6-10 p.m.), Saturday (1-10 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 p.m.).

As always, there are rides, games, food vendors, booths — everything a carnival is known for.

Proceeds benefit the many good works of the Woman’s Club, including grants to non-profits and scholarships.

See you at the Fair!

Waiting for action, yesterday afternoon. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

=================================================

Speaking of that Ferris wheel: From the top, fairgoers get a great view of the nearby Levitt Pavilion.

Tonight, they’ll catch glimpses of a shows. And everyone at the Yankee Doodle Fair can hear some of the music too, through the trees.

The Super Sonic Shorties — an all-female rock group — take the stage at 8 p.m. tonight. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

On Sunday (6 p.m. — after the fair closes), it’s The Wood Brothers. The Bygones open for them. Limited tickets remain; click here.

The Wood Brothers are no strangers to the Levitt. They played a free show there in 2011. They’re back now as touring phenoms.

==================================================

Speaking still of the Yankee Doodle Fair:

The Westport Astronomical Society will be there in force tomorrow (Saturday). But they won’t be riding the Ferris wheel, or even playing one of those galactic games.

The WAS will set up solar telescopes, so fairgoers can view the sun.

It’s full circle (ho ho). In 2017, the organization received a Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grant. They bought a Lunt 100mm solar telescope, for pristine views of the sun and its active atmosphere.

It, and other telescopes, will be there tomorrow. See the sun like never before!

Westport Astronomical Society’s solar telescope.

==================================================

As it does once a year, the Yankee Doodle Fair forced the relocation of the Farmers’ Market from Imperial Avenue to the Westport Library parking lot.

No problem! Neither vendors nor shoppers missed a beat.

The place was packed yesterday. Perfect late-spring weather made the produce, breads, baked goods — and so much more — even more delicious.

The view from the Levitt Pavilion steps. (Photo/Dan Woog

==================================================

If you were at Staples Pops Concert last week — or the Candlelight Concert, or any other show at the high school, middle schools or elementary schools this year — this is not exactly stop-the-presses news:

The Westport Public Schools have been honored with another “Best Communities for Music Education” award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

The honor is getting routine. We’ve won it every year since 2013.

“Best Communities Music Education” designations go to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

Criteria include funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

Over 200 students take part in the Candlelight Concert each year. Hundreds more participate in music programs at the middle and elementary schools.

==================================================

Speaking of awards: Dozens of Westporters were proudly in the Hartford crowd Wednesday, as the Town of Westport, Westport Housing Authority and Homes with Hope were all honored by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

All 3 groups received “Community Champions Awards,” for their continuing innovative practices and collaborative efforts, significantly impacting hundreds of people needing shelter and food.

Congratulations to all, on this major recognition!

Officials representing the town of Westport, Homes with Hope and Westport Housing Authority, and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, at Wednesday’s ceremony.

===============================================

There’s an old saying: “When you fall off a horse, get right back up.”

The same can be said about rowing shells.

In late March, over 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club rowers and coaches were rescued from the frigid Long Island Sound after 3 shells capsized in a sudden squall. Significant equipment was lost.

Despite their challenging spring, the team put 8 boats into the A finals at USRowing Nationals last week — the most in the club history.

Now, for the first time, SRC will send a crew to the Henley Royal Regatta in England June 28 through July 8. It’s a great international test for the local club.

Though their commitments to attend the US Naval Academy and Military Academy, respectively, prevent them from competing in England, captains George Bentley and Dillon Bhutani have led fundraising effort for the trip by seeking sponsors for feats of endurance.

Travel to England is expensive, and requires specialized clothing (including a specific blazer and hat). Not all rowing families can manage the financial burden. To defray expenses, the team will stay with a host family rather than a hotel.

Donations of any size are welcome. Click here to help.

Saugatuck Rowing Club heads to Henley.

==================================================

Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests last week.

An 18-year-old Weston man was charged with reckless driving, DUI under 21 years, passing in a no-passing zone and failure to drive n the proper lane, following a single-car rollover accident around 8:44 p.m. on May 14. Several witnesses described the driver’s reckless, aggressive habits prior to the crash.

A 26-year-old Danbury man was charged with evading responsibility, following too closely, and driving without a license, following an accident at 8:18 a.m. on May 9. A woman stopped in traffic on Bayberry Lane at Long Lots Road was struck from behind by an SUV. As she inspected the damage, the driver shrugged his shoulders and drove away. The woman took a photo of his license plate.

A 52-year-old Southbury man was charged with reckless burning, criminal mischief and threatening, following an investigation into an early morning April 2019 fire at the Saugatuck train station. Due to the man’s mental state at the time of the incident, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

A 36-year-old Torrington man was charged with burglary and larceny, following a November report of a burglary while a family was not home. A security camera showed the man entering the home. He was arrested after being implicated in another burglary in the neighborhood.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 19 citatiosn
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Distracted driving 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Unsafe backing: 1
  • Unreadable license plates: 1
  • Failure to wear seat belt: 1
  • Improper turn signal lamps: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

===============================================

April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.

Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.

She fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.

A couple of months ago, generous Westporters helped her and her husband with housing and food, in Milford.

Once again, they are on the verge of homelessness and hunger.

Click here to read the story of a local resident in need, with a link to a fund for assistance.

==================================================

Russell Barnard, co-founder and publisher of Country Music Magazine, and longtime resident of Westport, died on February 5. He was 86.

He grew up in Pampa, Texas, then earned a degree in chemical engineering from Yale University in 1960.

After beginning his career at Sinclair Oil he soon moved to the music industry, working for Columbia Records in New York from 1963 to 1970, before turning to media and publishing.

In the early 70s he was a consultant to various media outlets and publications. He served as publisher of Harper’s Magazine from 1972 to 1976.

In 1972, he co-founded Country Music Magazine. With over 700,000 subscribers, it appealed to fans, music artists and industry executives, while never shying away from controversy or honest criticism.

Longtime contributor Rich Kienzle said that Barnard encouraged his writers —including luminaries like Patrick Carr, Nick Tosches and Peter Guralnick — to be “outlaw journalists,” like some country artists.

Barnard’s ability to spot, and foster, writing talent was as important to the magazine’s success as his ability to spot musical trends.

In 1988 he moved the magazine and his family from New York to Westport. Country Music had offices on Riverside Avenue and then Post Road East at Turkey Hill Road, where it remained until Barnard sold the magazine in 1999. The last issue was published in 2003.

In 2012, Barnard and his wife Helen — who worked as an editor of the magazine in Westport — moved back to New York City. He donated a collection of archived material to the University of North Carolina Wilson Special Collections Library, which Ken Burns drew on extensively for his documentary on the history of country music.

He is survived by Helen; their children Anne, John and Christopher, as well as 2 grandchildren. A small funeral was held in February at Willowbrook Cemetery, where he is buried.

Russ Barnard and Johnny Cash, at the singer’s Tennessee cabin.

==================================================

Yesterday, “06880” reported on the protected area at Compo Beach, where American oystercatchers are nesting.

That’s not the only local spot to tread lightly. This is a shot from Sherwood Island State Park — an excellent reminder of the wonders of “Westport … Naturally:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

==================================================

And finally: Happy Flag Day! Long may she wave …

(“06880” is here for you on Flag Day … and every other day of the year too. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Obituaries, Sports

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Westport Honored For Efforts To End Homelessness

Posted on June 1, 2024 | 4 comments

Westport is justifiably proud of the work our Housing Authority and Homes with Hope does to improve the lives of neighbors in need.

Now the whole state will know.

The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness is honoring those 2 organizations, and the Town of Westport, with its 2024 Community Champions Award.

It will be presented on June 12, at the Hartford Convention Center. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Nichelle Carver, senior regional advisor at the US Interagency Council on Homelessness.

The application for the award demonstrates the depth and breadth of Westport’s commitment to addressing homelessness. It says:

“The Town of Westport, in collaboration with the Westport Housing Authority and Homes with Hope, embodies the essence of the Community Champions Award by championing innovative practices, fostering broad collaboration, and developing creative solutions to address homelessness.

“Its collective leadership and frontline staff have not only transformed the lives of the homeless population but have also set a commendable example for suburban affluent communities around the country. Through ongoing collaboration with Opening Doors Fairfield County and The Coordinated Access Network, hundreds of homeless families are housed successfully in Westport and surrounding towns receiving ongoing case management and residential support to ensure they remain housed permanently.

“Westport is more than just a town; it’s a vibrant community teeming with innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to progress.

“As a beacon of excellence in endorsing housing for all, Westport stands out for its remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. Over the past 40 years, Westport Housing Authority, Homes with Hope, and the Town of Westport have become leaders in making steadfast changes to meet the needs of the homeless and those with housing insecurity throughout Fairfield County.

“The Town of Westport was the first municipality to secure Diversion funding from HUD for the Coordinated Access System to support Fairfield County’s homeless providers. Westport has worked hard to secure this funding and be a part of Opening Doors Fairfield County’s solution to ending homelessness.

“The Town of Westport has also advocated for and successfully secured funding through the Department of Housing to renovate the Gillespie Center’s Emergency Homeless Shelter and food pantry. They have secured funding for a single-room occupancy model on another Town Property to provide housing with priority for 18- to 24-year-old homeless women. These 3 agencies continue to advocate for affordable housing and services to support the Coordinated Access Network.

The Gillespie Center, now under renovation. 

“During the needed renovations of both the Gillespie Center and Project Return/Susie’s House, the Town of Westport and the Westport Housing Authority have stepped forward again and pitched in to provide temporary shelter and a food pantry free of charge to ensure that operations continue without interruption and that those with food and housing insecurity continue to be fed and housed. They have organized community and statewide rallies and speaking arrangements to highlight the importance of suburban towns advocating for what is often thought of as a city problem which, as we all know, it is not.

“With top-notch schools, dynamic arts programs, and diverse cultural events, the town ensures that every individual can learn, grow, and contribute to the fabric of society. By investing in the next generation and promoting cultural exchange, Westport is shaping a brighter future for all. The Westport Housing Authority provides a sleep-away camp (Camp Funtastic) for the children they serve during the summer school break.  This opportunity provides an experience unique for the children at no cost.

“Westport Housing Authority provides residential services to individually support the residents and collaborate with onsite services to ensure that each family has what it needs to be successful in their new town and home; this is a unique model and has proven to be very successful.

“Collaboratively this group provides food gift cards, shopping cards, and a food pantry to the most vulnerable families in Westport.

“Data is proving that the homeless families coming into Westport are adjusting well and the second generations are graduating high school and attending prestigious colleges and universities therefore ending the cycles of homelessness through education and earned income.

“During a rally in 2021, Jim Marpe, Westport’s past first selectman, presented a proclamation declaring the Town of Westport’s call to action supporting Homes with Hope and Westport Housing Authority’s efforts to end homelessness. This is the first local suburban municipality to take such bold action supporting the homeless.

“Once homeless families get housed in Westport, the agencies collaboratively do everything needed to help them adjust to their new surroundings including providing needed case management and residential support to ensure that they thrive in the wonderful Westport School System.

“It takes a village and this sure is a unique one! For over 40 years, Westport has been leading the way for small affluent towns to follow suite and donate municipal property to be used to support the homeless.

“In addition, Homes with Hope has created an Affordable Housing Advisory Council to further demonstrate its commitment to fostering sustainable solutions and community involvement. Its efforts align perfectly with the values of this award.

“Every month, this Affordable Housing Advisory Council, collaboratively with the Town of Westport and Westport Housing Authority, engages with expert housing speakers to educate the community on housing topics to ensure that they have support for public meetings and statewide advocacy events including Rallies.

“Also, its work focuses on educating Planning & Zoning Committees about the importance of housing for all and ways they can help with changing housing Planning and Zoning rules. Members of the group attended the recent CCEH rally at the Capital, and will continue to lean in to support all such efforts until the day we have housing for all.

“Homes with Hope, Westport Housing Authority, and The Town of Westport are certainly worthy of this recognition for impactful work which significantly enhances the delivery of housing and services with the outcome of improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness throughout Fairfield County.

“In conclusion, these 3 agencies embody the spirit of excellence and community that The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness seeks to honor. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, the entire Westport Community has truly earned recognition as a model town deserving of this prestigious award.

4 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Westport life

Tagged , ,

Affordable Housing: Westport Leads, But State May Not Care

Posted on May 18, 2023 | 7 comments

Westport is a state leader among suburban communities in addressing affordable housing.

The Representative Town Meeting may soon address the issue, through a fund to pay for land and development.

And Westport’s state representative “hopes for best, and expects the worst” as Hartford addresses the issue.

Those were 3 of the main takeaways from last night’s “Affordable Housing Needs and Solutions: What Westporters Should Know and How They Can Help” Zoom meeting.

A virtual audience of 100 people heard RTM moderator Jeff Wieser lead a panel of experts: State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, RTM Planning & Zoning Committee chair Matthew Mandell, and Westport Housing Authority chair David Newberg.

Maher called Westport “a leader (in) thinking, planning for and examining all housing options.”

Dobin noted that the town needs 1,040 deed-restricted affordable units to reach the state mandate of 10% of the housing stock. Counting units now being built or in the pipeline, she expressed confidence that we are on the way to meeting that threshold.

136 Riverside Avenue has been renovated, and now houses adults with disabilities. It is off-site affordable housing, part of the new Mill project, and an example of a creative approach to developing affordable units.

She cited the 5-Year Affordable Housing Plan, adopted last year (click here to read). Drafted to “proactively create affordable housing, in a way that fits with Westport’s New England village feel,” it includes ideas for building on town-owned land; collaborating on state-owned land, at sites like the Post Road near West Parish Road; developing “cottage clusters,” and establishing a trust fund to acquire land.

Over several decades, Newberg said, the Westport Housing Authority has invested $57 million in affordable housing. They operate 4 residential communities: Canal Park, Hales Court, Hidden Brook and Sasco Creek Village.

Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

Their biggest challenge is finding land to develop more. “If we built 221 more units, we could fill them tomorrow,” he said.

Some of the funding for that land could come from an Affordable Housing Fund. Mandell described various forms that could take, and a variety of revenue sources for it, such as conveyance taxes by buyers of residential property.

Steinberg spoke last, and was the least optimistic. He cited 2 bills pending in the General Assembly.

HB 6633 — the “Fair Share Bill,” which could result in the loss of local zoning — is “vindictive to communities like Westport,” the state legislator said.

HB 6890 — nicknamed “Work, Live Ride” — seeks to increase housing density near transit points. It too would override key local zoning considerations.

While other towns in Connecticut look to Westport as a model for proactivity and practical solutions, Steinberg said, he worries constantly what his colleagues representing large cities will do to the suburbs.

Affordable housing units are part of 1177 Post Road East. The project helped Westport earn a 4-year moratorium on 8-30g proposals. 

Wieser then turned the session over to the audience. To the question of how Westport can create more homes for first-time — presumably lower-income — buyers, Dobin reintroduced the idea of small cottage clusters, as well as a fund through which the town could purchase small “starter” homes. That would save them from demolition and the new construction of large homes that follows.

Answering a question about the next moratorium from 8-30g — the state mandate for building affordable housing — Dobin said that Westport is well on the way to amassing enough “points,” from projects underway and planned.

However, she added, there are no guarantees. A planned multi-family development at the former Men’s Wearhouse on Post Road East is now apparently off the table.

Dobin said that shows the importance of the town providing housing, on land it owns, rather than relying on developers.

Another questioner asked about the possibility of amending 8-30g. “I’ve been trying for 13 years” without much success, Steinberg said.

Meanwhile, one resident asked, what can Westporters do? “Read the Affordable Housing Plan,” Dobin urged. “Get involved with the RTM and P&Z. Go to meetings, and speak up.”

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our coverage of town issues, events and more.)

7 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , , , ,

McAlinden: Housing Rally A Good Start; More Needed

Posted on August 19, 2021 | 1 comment

Helen McAlinden is excited about yesterday’s housing rally on Jesup Green.

The event — co-sponsored by Homes with Hope, the Westport Housing Authority and Westport Department of Human Services — drew dozens of housing supporters, and a number of politicians.

McAlinden — executive director of Homes with Hopes — says:

“Their attendance and support shows us we have friends and advocates at the State Capitol. It was brilliant to see that!

“With Connecticut’s $300 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds unallocated at this time, our collective voices were heard. But this needs to continue, so that these funds are invested in affordable housing and support services to protect our most vulnerable residents.

Young attendees carried signs at yesterday’s rally. (Photo/Lauren Braver Schiller)

“We would like to thank First Selectman Jim Marpe, Elaine Daignault (Human Services director) and Carol Martin (Housing Authority director) for their partnership and leadership in hosting such a wonderful shindig in Westport.  They did a brilliant job highlighting the Fairfield County housing crisis.

“But our efforts are not over. Please continue your advocacy. Now, with this event fresh in people’s minds, is the time to continue to spread the word and consider doing a similar event in other communities.

“One woman’s story — which mirrored many others — brought the event into a real-life scenario which was appreciated by everyone. The town of Westport and Westport Housing Authority will be happy to lend their support to help produce a similar event in every community highlighting, how small, affluent towns can be part of the answer.”

Click below for a video of the event:

 

1 Comment

Posted in Economy, Local politics, Politics

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Turkey, Wind, More

Posted on December 1, 2020 | 3 comments

Thanksgiving is already in our rear-view mirror. But this story from last week will keep you smiling through Christmas.

From noon through 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Westport Housing Authority delivered 376 holiday meals to residents at 4 sites: Canal Street, Hidden Brook, Sasco Creek and Hales Court.

Boston Market on Black Rock Turnpike supplied the turkeys, hams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, mac and cheese, salads, cornbread, and apple and pumpkin pies.

Housing Authority officials Amanda Sayegh and Andrea Santamaria organized it all, and distributed the meals with the help of interns.

“Our residents are fabulous,” says WHA executive director Carol Martin. “This made them so happy. A little bit of safe, social contact — and a Thanksgiving meal — goes a long way.” (Hat tip: Jim Ezzes)

 

How windy was it yesterday?

Westport had nearly 750 power outages at 2 p.m. By 4:45, that number was below 5.

At the storm’s height, even heavy sandbags could not keep Finalmente’s outdoor dining tent down.

That’s not what any restaurant needs now, for sure. But then again, what do you expect from 2020?

And finally … December 1 is World AIDS Day. This song is dedicated all the men, women and children, taken far too young by this dreadful disease.

 

3 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Organizations, Restaurants, Weather

Tagged , ,

Westport Housing Authority: Little-Known Body Has Big Impact

Posted on September 23, 2019 | 6 comments

In 1952, the Hales family sold 14 acres of land to the town. The price: $1.

The Westport Housing Authority had been established a few years earlier. For the first time, it was ready to act.

With state financing the WHA built 40 Cape Cods, between Greens Farms Road and Hillspoint. Hales Court helped ease Westport’s severe postwar housing shortage.

In the nearly 70 years since, the WHA has done much more. Hales Court has nearly doubled in size. There are 93 units at Sasco Creek and Hidden Brook, contiguous sites on Post Road East. And 50 elderly and disabled Westporters live at Canal Park, near downtown.

Yet the Westport Housing Authority remains unknown — or little understood — by most Westporters.

The  official name is the Housing Authority of the Town of Westport. Yet it’s not really a town body. It’s independent — “like a water pollution control authority,” says executive director Carol Martin.

As with other housing authorities around Connecticut, the WHA falls under a state statute.

The 1st selectman appoints a board of commissioners. Five members serve rolling 5-year terms.

Beyond that though, there is no link to town government. The housing authority’s money is completely separate too.

Funding comes from federal and state grants, and real estate the WHA owns and manages. Each of its 4 independent properties has its own operating budget. They range from $412,000 annually (Hidden Brook), to $1.1 million (Hales Court).

All 221 units are income-restricted.

At Hales Court, the limit is 60% of the area median income. For a family of 4, that median is about $144,000 a year. So, Martin says, the 78 homes there — most of them 1,700 to 1,800 square feet — are rented by people with quite low incomes, to those earning about $75,000 annually.

Hales Court, after its 2008 modernization.

Hales Court now encompasses 78 units. The WHA modernized the entire area in 2008. The original homes had limited accessibility, and were not in compliance with fire codes.

Working with a development partner, the WHA applied for and received $2 million in 9% low-income housing tax credits — a program initiated by the Reagan administration.

Sasco Creek and Hidden Brook — the front and rear portions of 4-acre 1655 Post Road East, respectively, until the 1990s the site of a trailer park near Stop & Shop — is restricted, variously, to families with 60%, 50% and 25% of the area median income. Most units include 3 bedrooms, and are approximately 1,800 square feet.

Hidden Brook apartments.

The 2 developments were constructed using tax credits, and tax-exempt bond financing.

Canal Park’s studio and 1-bedroom apartments are restricted to people 62 and older, and the disabled (by Social Security definition). It was built in 1981, with federal and state assistance.

Martin — the part-time executive director — is assisted by two full-time “resident services” staff members. Other operations — maintenance work, rent collection, lease enforcement and the like — are contracted out.

“We’ve really elevated our services,” Martin says proudly. “We’ve got cradle to grave — newborns to the frail elderly — and we take care of them all.”

David Newberg chairs the Westport Housing Authority. He and fellow commissioners Thomas Bloch, Jeff Nixon, Kathleen Wauchope and C. Gibson Halloran “understand and support our mission,” Martin says. “They all want to give back to the town.”

Westport Housing Authority director Carol Martin.

The WHA does great — and important — work. They’d like to create even more housing opportunities.

However, Martin notes, the cost of land and zoning regulations limit future expansion.

But the WHA keeps looking for opportunities.

“We help people become more successful — emotionally, socially and financially,” Martin says. ” We’re a friendly partner. We do all the work.”

Even if most Westporters have no idea who — or what — the Westport Housing Authority is.

6 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People, Real estate

Tagged , , , , ,

Pre-Applications Available For Affordable Westport Housing

Posted on May 30, 2019 | 3 comments

Earlier today, the town sent out a terse email. Headlined “Local Housing Authorities Are Now Accepting Pre-Applications for Affordable Housing,” it read:

Preliminary applications will be accepted beginning on 06/03/2019 AND END with a postmark date of 06/28/2019. Pre-applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected.

Please click on the following link for income-eligibility requirements and a download of the pre-applications: https://millennium-realty.com

It sounded a bit cryptic. Pre-applications for what affordable housing, exactly?

And who is Millennium Realty?

I clicked the link.

The Millennium Group — headquartered in New Britain — has a handsome website. At the top are photos of 4 beautiful residences. Two are homes that would not look out of place in Westport; 2 are gleaming new apartment buildings.

Turns out Millennium Realty (aka The Millennium Group) manages a wide array of properties — including 4 affordable housing facilities in Westport. They are:

  • Canal Park (50 units; elderly; studio and 1-bedroom)
  • Hales Court (78 units; 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom)
  • Hidden Brook (39 units; 1, 2 and 3-bedroom)
  • Sasco Creek (33 units; 2 and 3-bedroom).

That’s 200 units of affordable housing.

Canal Park offers affordable housing for seniors, near downtown.

But why “pre-applications”?

Turns out they occasionally open up wait lists, to fill when vacancies occur. “Pre-applications” are used to screen for initial program eligibility.

So for anyone interested in being screened for a possible eventual spot on a wait list for affordable Westport housing: Click on the link above. You can also pick up a copy at the Westport Housing Authority (5 Canal Street), or call 203-227-4672.

Hales Court also offers affordable housing in Westport.

3 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Organizations, Real estate

Tagged , ,

[OPINION] Developer: In Wake Of Hiawatha Court Decision, We Plan 187 Units

Posted on May 21, 2018 | 38 comments

In the wake of a Superior Court judge’s ruling that Westport grant conditional approval for a sewer line extension — the first step toward construction of a large housing complex on Hiawatha Lane, off Saugatuck Avenue next to I-95 Exit 17 — the developer in the lawsuit has issued a press release.

Summit Development says:

A 14-year effor to create a moderate-income housing community in the Town of Westport took a major step forward after a State Superior Court judge ordered the town to grant a conditional approval for a sewer line extension to serve proposed new development on Hiawatha Lane in the Saugatuck neighborhood.

In a ruling issued May 7, Judge Kenneth Shluger ordered the town to extend an existing municipal sewer line 1600 feet to serve the proposed development. The judge said the town’s Water Pollution Control Authority has abused its discretion by delaying the extension. The town’s 3-member governing Board of Selectmen serves as the commissioners of the Authority.

The town has maintained that it could not consider extending the sewer because a failing sewer line and related pumping station that would serve the site are inadequate to handle the additional sewage effluent the new housing would generate, and further said that an existing town policy precluded it from issuing conditional approvals.

The developer, Summit Saugatuck LLC of Southport has maintained since early 2016, when it negotiated a joint venture agreement with the Westport Housing Authority to build 155 units, that the town was not only authorized but obligated to issue a sewer extension approval conditioned upon the completion of the sewer and pump station upgrades.

In 2016, the Public Works Department set the schedule for the upgrades, which are now nearing completion. Summit’s property met all the criteria for receiving sewer service, including being within the Sewer District, and that the town’s sewage treatment plant having ample capacity.

Summit’s attorney, Timothy Hollister, said the judge’s decision supports Summit’s position that the town’s interests are fully protected by granting the extension conditioned on the upgrade being completed, and that the town produced no evidence that it has a long-standing policy against issuing conditional approvals. “There is no such policy,” he said.

Felix Charney, president of Summit Development, said: “The judge found that the town has been using the sewer system upgrade as a way of delaying creation of the moderate-income housing that is so desperately needed in Westport. In 2016, the town encouraged us to partner with the Westport Housing Authority and we came up with a great plan for 155 units including 70 moderate-income units. But when we presented the very plan the town had encouraged, the Town Board dropped its support and hid behind the sewer line issue as the way of blocking the development. Now, with the Housing Authority having lost its financing opportunity, we are proceeding on our own.”

Summit’s new proposal: 187 units.

Summit’s revised plan will feature 187 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with 30 percent for moderate income households having maximum rent and household income restrictions for 40 years. The 8-acre site is centrally located with access to local stores, restaurants and services.  The community will be a transit oriented development (TOD), as it is within easy walking distance of the Saugatuck train station.

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe has been quoted saying that the court decision will have “very little practical impact on the proposed project’s timetable.”

Charney responds: “For years we have offered compromises, all of which have been rebuffed by the town. We have a great location near the train station, are in a neighborhood where there are other multi-family apartments and are using a classic New England-style architecture that fits beautifully within the community. The real question boils down to whether Westport wants to be an inclusive or an exclusive community?”

He said Summit had offered the town a series of smaller proposals including the one in partnership with the Westport Housing Authority, but the town chose to not commit.“They left us no alternative but to turn to the courts.”

Carol Martin, executive director of the Westport Housing Authority, said the authority supports the private sector developing housing in the town. “We have reached the point where we are no longer accepting additional applicants signing up with us. With approximately 1,000 names already on the list, there’s no point. We applaud private sector developers like Summit who are willing to step in and help to address the huge need we have in Westport.”

38 Comments

Posted in Local politics, People, Real estate

Tagged , , , ,

Affordable Housing Applications Available Now

Posted on July 7, 2015 | 22 comments

For months, Westporters driving on the Post Road near Super Stop & Shop have watched apartments rise on the site of the old “trailer park.”

They’re not done. But applications are now available for the duplex townhouse apartments — all deemed “affordable rentals.”

Hidden Brook apartments.

Hidden Brook apartments.

Monthly rents are $900 (1 bedroom), $1,055 (2 bedrooms) and $1,200 (3 bedrooms).

Applicants must meet income requirements, based on family size, for 50% of the area median income. Click here for more details.

Applications are online (click here), or at the Westport Housing Authority office at 5 Canal Street. You can request an application be mailed to you by calling 203-227-4672.

Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the the Housing Authority office at 5 Canal Street, Westport. They will be reviewed in the order they are received. The deadline is July 31.

 

22 Comments

Posted in Organizations, Places, Real estate

Tagged ,