Tag Archives: Westport Parks & Recreation Department

Roundup: Broadway In Westport, Compo Vandals, Pickleball …

Posted on December 22, 2023 | 4 comments

After successfully producing “An Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?

Why not another great show?

The Coleytown Company director and Staples High School graduate is producing and directing another one-night-only extravaganza.

Once again, he’s tapped (mostly) local friends and former students.

All are (of course) enormously talented.

As in: Broadway professionals.

The evening of song — honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24.

Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.

Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.

Click here for tickets, and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.

The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.

Mia Gentile

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Either vandals struck Compo Beach, or there is a very poor (or intoxicated) driver out there.

JD Dworkow spotted these “Stop” signs, all knocked over at a variety of spots:

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

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The beach vandals remain at large. But Westport Police did make 2 custodial arrests between December 13 and 20.

A Westport woman was arrested for violation of the Deadly Weapon Offender Registry. She failed to register, 9 months after being released from incarceration.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and failure to drive to the right, following a motor vehicle accident on the Parker Harding Plaza exit road.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Speeding: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.

Connecticut defines a deadly weapon as any device, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged — as well as a switchblade or gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles.

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You may not have gotten the Westport Transit District anything for the holidays.

But they’ve got a gift for you.

Between December 26 and 29, the Westport Transit District will provide free rides to all Wheels2U users.

Wheels2U is the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service. It’s ideal for anyone going to New York, or coming here, by train.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., to be taken to or from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms train platform and their front door or other Westport location. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, click here. To learn about services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

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If your New Year’s resolution is “learn to play pickleball” — or “play more” — you’re in luck.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with Norwalk’s Northeast Athletic Club, to offer indoor clinics. The instructor is well-known Westporter Kevin Cunningham.

Beginners and intermediate clinics run Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are January 2-31, and February 5-March 14. Click here for more information, and to register.

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The final Winter Farmers’ Market before Christmas was packed yesterday.

Shoppers jammed Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center to picked up everything from, well, jam and herbs to pies and olive oil.

Some of the longest lines were at Fatto a Mano. Pierluigi Mazzella’s focaccias and panettoni were selling like, um, hotcakes.

Fatto a Mano — and many other vendors — had plenty of customers at yesterday’s Winter Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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At most lunch meetings, Westport Rotary Club members hear from guest speakers.

On Tuesday, they heard something especially meaningful: holiday music from Staples Orphenians.

The elite a cappella group carried on a Rotary tradition that began at least 30 years ago.

The set included popular numbers like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” traditional carols like “Silent Night,” and complex, beautiful and less-known songs like “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.”

Orphenians, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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All month long, Kings Highway Elementary School students have collected gifts for their annual “Holiday Bear” drive. The Connecticut Education Foundation provides gifts for children whose families face financial or other hardships.

This week, the KHS Caring Council helped package up 27 Holiday Bear bags.

In addition, the school collected enough gifts to support 3 other families, through Westport’s Department of Human Services.

Kings Highway’s Caring Council, with staff members John Brakeman and Tara Doyle, and principal Tracey Carbone.

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 Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service.

On January 21 (4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its 4th jazz vespers service ever. Like the others, it will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.

Featured musicians include Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Matthew Munzer (bass), and Conor Brennan (drums). Hoddinott is the Methodist Church’s music director.

Jazz vespers at United Methodist Church.

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The day after the longest night of the year is a good time to post this “Westport … Naturally” sunset, from Compo Road South:

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … today was quite a day in Vienna, back in 1808. Ludwig van Beethoven conducted and performed the premiere of his Fifth Symphony — along with his Sixth Symphony, Fourth Piano Concerto and “Choral Fantasy.”

(Beethoven had his patrons. “06880” has some too. You can be one, simply by clicking here. Thank you, from our blog and — if he were here, probably Beethoven too.)

 

 

 

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Police, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Longshore Sailing School Lease: Rough Seas Ahead

Posted on December 9, 2023 | 45 comments

A new lease for the operation of Longshore’s sailing school seemed to be cruising along.

Now, however, it may have hit choppy waters.

Residents are questioning the process by which the next 10-year lease may be awarded. The present one expired October 15. The Board of Selectwomen are scheduled to vote on Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava’s recommendation at their next meeting, on Wednesday (December 13, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Bill King, Heidi McGee and John Kantor — board members of Greenwich Community Sailing, which submitted a bid to the town for the sailing school/ boat rental contract — contacted “06880” with concerns about the process. McGee and Kantor grew up in Westport, and still live here.

Separately, so did Jeff Manchester — another native Westporter, involved in a competing bid.

Longshore Sailing School (Photo copyright/Stefen Turner)

According to Manchester, RFP responses were due October 18, with feedback to come a week later.

After several delays, on November 30 3 potential suitors — the current operator, former operators currently running the Greenwich Sailing School, and a Boat Locker team — all independently met with Parks & Rec director Fava, deputy director Rick Giunta, and a sailing consultant doing business with the current operator.

On December 4, the 2 bidders received a brief message from Fava. She thanked them for their interested and said, “Upon further review, we have chosen to move forward with Longshore Sailing School” — the current operator.

Sources say that the 3rd member of the panel interviewing the RFP candidates was Stu Gilfillen, director of education for US Sailing. Sources say his department employs a leader of the current Longshore Sailing School to teach instructor training courses.

Previously, Gilfillen “liked” Longshore Sailing School’s Facebook page. “Not sure how this was not a conflict of interest,” the Greenwich group says.

After news broke of the Parks & Rec decision, reaction on social media was quick and intense. Among the comments:

  • What the hell happened here?
  • Why would the town renew its lease?
  • I am stunned and disappointed to hear this.
  • And may the worst team win. Makes you wonder what influenced the outcome.
  • This is sad in so many ways.
  • Bull****!
  • What a disaster. Were there other applicants?
  • Has anyone complained to Parks and Rec? The place is unsightly for residents who use the park.
  • I don’t understand how anyone over the age of 12 thinks this is an acceptable way to leave things.
  • WTF?!
  • Did anyone else make a bid?
  • So sorry to hear this.
  • It is dangerous for young children who play on the nearby playground.
  • Yikes! Hurts my eyes.
  • This desecrates all those shipshape awards given to students over the years.
  • It’s a law suit waiting to happen.
  • Seems a shame to sacrifice a 50-year-old institution that’s brought joy and taught work ethic to generations of CT kids. No way they can make a case to the town they are the best candidate in light of track record ( insurance ??) and literal photographic record. Frankly they are a liability to Westport and the surrounding towns’ children.
  • Supremely disappointed in this outcome.

The 2 unsuccessful bidders have independently asked for a review of the Parks  & Recreation Department selection process, “particularly given the dawning realization that there was a serious conflict of interest involved.”

They hope the Board of Selectwomen will carefully review the matter, before voting to approve the contract.

“06880” asked Parks & Recreation director Fava for a comment about the process.

She said, “The RFP referenced training and certification in accordance with standards of the United States Sailing Association. Stu Gillfillen is the director of education for US Sailing, so we reached out to him to participate in our process as his expertise pertains directly to the core of this operation.

“We do not believe there was any conflict of interest as Stu knows all of the respondents personally and all have had various affiliations with US Sailing.  Additionally, the decision was not up to Stu alone and questions from the panel were fair and consistent across the board.”

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King, McGee and Kantor described the background of the Longshore sailing program.

It began in 1960, the year Westport purchased the private Longshore Country Club.

The Westport Recreation Commission (now called the Parks & Recreation Department) ran the program until 1975. That year, “Longshore Sailing School” took it private.

At first a sole proprietorship, Kantor — its president — reorganized it in 1978, as a for-profit corporation.

It ran successfully for decades, say Kantor, McGee and King. It was a pioneer and national model for community sailing programs.

An additional location in Old Greenwich was established in 1998. Called Greenwich Community Sailing, it was sponsored by Old Greenwich Yacht Club.

In 2001 Kantor, still president of Longshore Sailing School, Inc., donated the existing building to the town of Westport. A long-term lease was granted by the Town in order to amortize its cost.

That lease expired October 15, 2023.

Longshore Sailing School (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

In 2017, Longshore Sailing School’s ownership changed hands. Jane Pimentel purchased all shares of its stock (including all assets: boats, docks, tools, furniture and equipment, at both locations) from Kantor for the token amount of $10.

Kantor, King and McGee now believe that “a public program, in a municipal park, should be run by a non-profit organization. That is the standard model for community sailing programs throughout the country. Now that the long-term lease is ending and the building is fully paid for, it is the right time for change.”

The trio have concerns about boating safety at Longshore. The Sailing School, they say, taught boating safety courses since 1960. But in 2017, the new owners “abruptly” stopped offering Connecticut Boating Safety certification courses.

In 2023, LSS also removed the boating safety component (one of the 2 weeks of “Sailing One”) from the junior program’s curriculum. “Boating safety education should never be compromised in a community sailing program – and certainly not for the sake of profit,” Kantor, King and McGee say.

They also note that a non-profit could give back to the community through lower user fees, and scholarship for people needing financial help.

Furthermore, they say, Pimentel’s group closed the sailboat rental program on weekdays in mid-August for the last 2 summers — “historically, the time of peak boat rental demand.” Last summer, they continue, LSS further cut sailboat rentals on weekdays through most of June.

In 2021, Kantor and fellow Greenwich Community Sailing Board members say, Longshore Sailing School abruptly abandoned its long relationship with Greenwich. It was “a needlessly embarrassing, avoidable, and well-publicized separation. Bridges were burned. As a result, LSS lost roughly 1/3 of its revenue, and its safety net of cooperative partnership.”

The bidders call the facility a winter “eyesore” Last year, they say, “tools, sails, electronics, hoses, etc. and all manner of equipment, including gasoline containers, were left unsecured outdoors – next to the children’s playground. Kayaks were left unsecured on beach racks, windows were left open, boats were left upright and uncovered – filled with moldy leaves, snow and ice – throughout the fall and winter.”

The situation seems the same this year.

(Photos/John Kantor)

Manchester — another bidder on the RFP — says that when vendors made a pre-proposal site visit to Longshore in late September, both they and the Parks & Rec team were surprised by the lack of upkeep on town-owned land.

Manchester calls it “a huge liability to the town, for any kid who walks a few steps from the playground and is injured.” The ice skating entrance is nearby too.

He adds, “Westport residents, the new hotel operator and any visitor will be stunned to see one of the best pieces of real estate in Westport being rented out as a junkyard, for a mere $5,000 license fee per annum.”

(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront. Please click here to support our hyper-local journalism. Thank you!)

45 Comments

Posted in Local business, Local politics, Longshore

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[OPINION] Proper Procurement Process Must Be Followed For Long Lots Project

Posted on December 6, 2023 | 15 comments

Yulee Aronson is a licensed professional engineer, with 40 years of construction management and project controls experience, overseeing many high-profile and complex projects. He says, “I have never encountered a construction problem that couldn’t be overcome.”

Yulee Aronson

Locally, Aronson has worked on the reconstruction of Staples High School and the William F. Cribari Bridge, and the chlorination building at the wastewater pollution facility. Other projects include Penn Station access, the reconstruction of La Guardia Airport, and the Baltimore Potomac Tunnel replacement.

As the Board of Finance prepares to debate the Long Lots Elementary School construction project, he writes to them:

The Long Lots School Building Committee has come before you, requesting the next round of funding to commence the design based on the recommendations from the feasibility study. It appears that such a request is prematurely bypassing several important steps.

Per proper procurement protocols, such large appropriation needs to be performed following a competitive RFP process. The contract with Svigals Partner Architects — the firm that completed the feasibility study (Phase I) — notes:

In Phase II (separate contract) the Town will utilize the collective team to prepare the final design documents for the ultimate construction solution. Final Construction documents are expected to be completed by August 30, 2024. In Pase II the A/E team is expected to do the following services. While desirable to keep continuity of the A/E between phases, Phase II will be a separate RFP process.

Has the LLSBC been empowered to sidestep the proper procurement process? And how would the lack of competitive procurement be seen by the state, from whom Westport would be seeking reimbursement?

Considering that Long Lots may become the most expensive single project in Westport’s history, we need to make sure that this next step is performed with proper governance and oversight.

It is also prudent to examine how it all started, and how the scope of the authority of the LLSBC may have expanded beyond its original charter.

It began with the development and issuance of the Building Assessment Report at the end of February 2023. It was followed by the RFP process for Phase I scope, and culminated with the issuance of the contract to Svigals Partner Architects in May.

Long Lots Elementary School is 70 years old. It was designed as a junior high.

The scope of work for Phase I was limited to the conceptual design of the school building and parking.

Sometime in the summer this scope was suddenly expanded without proper authorization to include planning for the athletic facilities, based on the study performed by the Parks and Recs Department. Who placed the School Building Committee in charge of the planning for the Parks Department? A

And how is the school renovation/replacement project now required to satisfy the needs of Parks and Rec, who previously stated that they don’t have the funding to expand their facilities, yet now this expansion is going to take place as a part of the school construction budget?

The School Building Committee extended their reach by deciding to relocate the Westport Community gardens from their existing location to another site, all as a part of the school construction umbrella and budget.

The town of Westport already has a committee that deals with the town-wide design and construction projects, looking at them holistically and not through a narrow lens of a single project. Considering the complexity and the mixed use of the existing site, is the School Building Committee the best group to chart our course forward? Or should we use the resources that we already have, namely the Public Site & Building Committee?

During public hearings, many respected professionals have pointed out that the time and scope limitations of the feasibility study did not allow hired professionals to “dive into details” of various options.

Option “C,” presented as the best plan by the Long Lots School Building Committee.

Here are just 2 examples that come to mind.

  • The cost of renovation provided in the report is based on the very conservative replacement and construction phasing assumptions that had to be made, because no time was provided in the process to really study how to renovate an occupied school while keeping costs down. Historically such renovations, once fully designed, planned and constructed, are less expensive than new construction, and generate higher reimbursement rates for the town from the state, resulting in a lower tax burden on the residents.
  • There were also several alternative “new school” solutions presented by various professionals that live in town. These solutions consisted of a new school building of the same size and interior layout/ adjacencies as used in the study, athletic fields of the size and shape used in the study, and the gardens that remain in place with less environmental impact on the neighbors. Such options included i)a more compact layout for the school building in the east-west direction; ii) more compacted parking lot in the same direction, and iii) a split level 3-story school with higher grade educational spaces located on the upper level in compliance with the Ed Specs.

What united these alternative options was the preservation of all of the existing uses on site, while providing more protection to the neighbors from unwanted noise and light pollution, and also allowing more rainwater to be absorbed in place during construction and beyond. In addition, all these proposals were less expensive.

In no way are the above options proposed here the “ultimate solutions.” The conversation about which option is best for the town would be resolved when other qualified design firms would be allowed to compete on cost of design and projected costs of construction for their respective designs, and managed by the properly authorized town committee.

15 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: Detours, Long Lots Meetings, Carjacking …

Posted on October 19, 2023 | 21 comments

We can’t emphasize it enough: I-95 will be a mess this weekend.

And local roads will be collateral damage.

The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will remain closed from now through Friday, October 31. Traffic is being detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.

In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17  entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. this Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.

The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.

For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting tonight (Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to “meet briefly to accept the written recommendation for presentation to the First Selectwoman.”

That recommendation of a new building is for “Option C,” voted unanimously by the LLSBC earlier this month.

An hour later tonight (Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), the Board of Education agenda includes a discussion/action item: “Long Lots Building Committee Update.”

It will be presented by LLSBC chair Jay Keenan.

The Long Lots project moves forward next Tuesday (October 24, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), with a special session of the Board of Finance. They’ll meet with the Building Committee and Board of Education, “to discuss only their recommendations.”

The Board of Finance will take comments from the public for 30 minutes.

Long Lots School Building Committee.

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A third arrest has been made, in connection with last month’s carjacking incident at a resident’s Bayberry Lane garage.

Vineys Baez, a 20-year-old Waterbury resident, was arrested yesterday.

He was charged with:

  • Home invasion
  • Burglary, 1st degree
  • Robbery by carjacking
  • Assault, 3rd degree
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Larceny 1st degree
  • Conspiracy to commit larceny, 1st degree
  • Robbery, 1st degree
  • Conspiracy to commit robbery, 1st degree.

Baez is the second person identified through surveillance video. A third person was also arrested.

Baez was held on $500,000 court set bond.

The Westport Police Detective Bureau has completed their investigation into the carjacking.

Two men were caught on surveillance video taking an Aston martin, as the owner was in the vehicle in his Bayberry Lane garage.

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Westport’s annual Children’s Halloween Parade returns to Main Street next Wednesday (October 25). It’s free for all kids (especially those age 8 and younger).

Children and parents will meet at the Main Street/Post Road East corner at 3:30 p.m. The parade heads up Main Street, then goes right on Avery Place and left on Myrtle Avenue to Town Hall and Veterans Green.

Youngsters may trick or treat along Main Street, and in front of Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green (across from Town Hall) at 4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL.

This photo is from 2011. Where is this former Halloween parade-goer today?

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The United Methodist Church invites everyone to a couple of cool — and very different — events.

This Saturday (October 21, 1 to 3 p.m.), “Trunk or Treat” offers a fun, safe Halloween alternative for kids under 12, with snacks and games.

The suggested admission price is simple: 5 non-perishable food items for the Person to Person pantry, per child.

Don’t be spooked by the weather forecast. It’s on, rain or shine. (Heavy rain will move it indoors.)

On Sunday, October 29 (4 p.m.). “Jazz Vespers” is an inspiring service of words and music with a quartet featuring UMC’s new music director, John Hoddinott. A free will offering will be received.

Trunk or treat!

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An Israeli flag appeared on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge last night.

It was apparently not placed there by town officials, or the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

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It’s Thursday.

That means the Westport Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Everyone is welcome. Except, of course …

(Photo/Rachel Konstantin)

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The Levitt Pavilion season is not over.

Well, at least not until tonight.

This evening (Thursday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.) the outdoor venue transforms into a giant disco, with the debut presentation of Say She She.

The band’s album “Prism” is under consideration for a Grammy nomination for Best R&B album. Meanwhile, their new album “Silver” is earning raves.

The new turf area in front of the stage provides a perfect dance floor. In a nod to the season, the terrace bar will offer hot chocolate.

Additional free tickets have just been released. They’re available at www.levittpavilion.com,  and 2 hours before showtime at the box office.

Click  below for the band’s special shoutout to Westport:

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For many years, Penny Slinger wanted to visit Friday Kahlo’s home.

In July, the London-born, Los Angeles-based artist’s dream came true.

She recorded her visit in photographs. Now she’s sharing her experience with audiences around the country.

On November 2 (7 p.m.), Slinger brings her “Frida Kahlo and Me” exhibition to MoCA Westport. It’s a side-by-side comparison of both women’s works.

Advance registration is requested: $10 general admission, free for MoCA members. Click here to register, and for more information.

Penny Slinger, and art materials.

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I can’t imagine a more “Westport … Naturally” photo than this one:

(Photo/Jim Hood)

Sure, it’s Koda — one of the beach neighborhood’s most famous dogs.

But it could be anyone’s. Anywhere in town.

Westport loves its pooches!

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And finally … Say She She will be at the Levitt Pavilion tonight (story above).

If you have no idea who they are (and I sure didn’t), click below. Enjoy!

(If you appreciate “06880” saving you from traffic hell this weekend, please consider a donation. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown

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Roundup: Tooker & Riano, Max Weinberg, Compo Playground …

Posted on October 6, 2023 | 2 comments

At yesterday’s TEAM Westport meeting, Jen Tooker was asked about the controversial Board of Education candidacy of a fellow Republican.

She told “06880”: “I was asked by a member of the public if I was endorsing Camilo Riano. And I responded no, I am not endorsing him. That’s all I said.”

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Last night, some Westporters went to Town Hall for the Long Lots School Building Committee decision (and the future of the Community Gardens).

Others stayed home for the virtual Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on the future of Longshore — including the gardens, a new baseball diamond and the controversial siting of new pickleball courts. (They were disappointed. A “technical problem” ended the once-rescheduled meeting once it was clear it could not begin.)

The best time was had by the sold-out crowd at the Levitt Pavilion. Max Weinberg — longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band — brought his “Jukebox” show (with 300 songs that each audience picks) to the banks of the Saugatuck River.

The weather was beautiful. They played for 2 1/2 hours.

And at the end, he invited the audience up on stage, to join the fun.

Max Weinberg and friends, on stage at the Levitt. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of fun: In preparation for the Compo Beach playground renovation, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is looking for ideas.

A planning survey has been sent to Westport and Weston residents. The goal is to “improve the structure, visibility and accessibility” of the popular site, and to add new features.

The project is a partnership with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League.

Click here for the survey. It will be live through October 30. For project updates, on Instagram, follow @compobeachplay.

Compo Beach playground.

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Speaking of the beach: As the Hillspoint Road streetscape has changed over the years, there has been one constant: #246.

The tiny wooden shotgun house has stood — if not tall, then proudly — as all its neighbors have been torn down and replaced by far larger homes.

The end is in sight, though, for the 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 695-square foot house that sold last year for $1.5 million.

A “Demolition” sign sits on the front.

Another bit of old Westport soon bites the dust.

246 Hillspoint Road (JD Dworkow)

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Yesterday’s “06880” lead story saluting Westport’s long relationship with Marigny-le-Louzon, our sister city in France.

As the piece noted, our 7-decade relationship began in the aftermath of World War II. Two Westport soldiers — gun sergeant Bob Loomis and heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through the Normandy town, just 25 miles from Utah Beach, on their way to Belgium.

Alert reader Mary Manning sent this welcome news along: Clay Chalfant still lives in Westport.

He and his wife Mary are in Greens Farms. In February, they’ll celebrate his 100th birthday.

Best (and early) wishes, sir!

And thank you, all those years ago, for helping begin a transatlantic friendship that flourishes still.

From left: Clay and Mary Chalfant, with then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe. 

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between September 27 and October 4.

A 27-year-old man was charged with disorderly conduct, assault, threatening and strangulation, after a domestic violence argument about a cell phone. He punched, pushed and choked the victim. After leaving, he threatened harm if police were notified.

A 57-year-old woman was charged with disorderly conduct, after arguing with a family member. The victim was assaulted, and injured during a fall.

A 28-year-old woman was charged with driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1-car crash on Sylvan Road North.

A 34-year-old man was charged with burglary and larceny, after taking keys, checks and paperwork from Westport Auto Craft. Mamaroneck police arrested him during a burglary the same day, and found the items from Westport in his possession.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Larceny: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

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Earth Animal has a long history with both CT Foodshare and the Mitten Project. Together, they tackle food insecurity.

Once again this year, the Post Road East store will match every dollar donated.

Last year, Earth Animal raised $53,000. This year’s goal: $60K.

CT Foodshare sources healthy food donations from the food industry, retail stores, farms, and generous donors. They are donated through a network of over 480 food pantries, community kitchens and meal programs.

The first part of the fund drive is “Pumpkins for Good.” Locally grown pumpkins and gourds will be sold all this month at Earth Animal.

During the holiday season, the store will sell ornaments, handmade mittens and dog treat Advent calendars. They’ll sponsor other fundraisers too. Stop in to Earth Animal to learn more.

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Wakeman Town Farm and Patagonia are partnering to show short film about how food connects to climate change. “Unbroken Ground” screens on October 23 (7:30 p.m., WTF Tim’s Kitchen).

After the film, Ellie Angerame od Green Village Initiative leads a discussion on how  a community can make a positive impact.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Westport Book Shop’s October guest artists are Jane Lubin and Toby Michaels. Both are survivors of the disease.

A reception is set for October 18 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Their art is on display at the Jesup Avenue store through through October 31. All work is available for purchase. To learn more about Toby and Jane, click here.

Jane Lubin and Toby Michaels, at the Westport Book Shop.

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It’s a cappella for all! (And for a great cause too.)

The Princeton Nassoons sing at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport October 18 (7 p.m.). The Beachside Express is their excellent opening act.

Admission is free. But voluntary donations support UU’s social justice partner, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.

The Nassoons are one of the country’s oldest collegiate singing groups. And the vocal coach for Beachside Express — Greens Farms Academy’s elite group — is Mike Costantino, a longtime UU Westport member.

Princeton Nassoons

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With so much controversy in Westport — the Community Gardens, the meaning of “shall,” Board of Education candidates and more — now is a good time to take a deep breath, step back, and admire what we have in Westport.

Nancy Lally’s “Westport … Naturally” photo for today is a great place to start.

(Photo/Nancy Lally)

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And finally … the songs in the photo of Max Weinberg’s Jukebox show (story above) is just a sampling of the 300 he offered last night to Levitt Pavilion concert-goers.

Here, for your listening/dancing/air guitar pleasure, are 3 of them:

(Whew! There sure is a lot going on in Westport. And “06880” covers it all. If you believe in local journalism, please support this hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Parks & Rec To Compo Locker Renters: Oops!

Posted on October 3, 2023 | 9 comments

Sunday may have been the last beautiful beach day of the year.

But there were clouds for dozens of renters of Compo lockers, who were stunned to find that — contrary to an email sent 5 days earlier — their locks had been cut.

And every chair, umbrella, wagon, toy and boogie board was dumped on the ground, ready to be hauled away.

Locker contents, after removal. (Photo/Jason Stiber)

The message from the Parks & Recreation Department had said (including bold letters):

Our policy states that all bathhouse assignees are to clean out their lockers no later than September 30th.

You may use Sunday, October 1st to make sure that your bathhouse has been cleaned out and your lock has been removed. Any locks remaining as of Monday, October 2nd, will be cut off and the contents will be removed and discarded.

Thanking you in advance for your attention in this matter. Have a great day!

Locker renters howled, on social media and “06880.”

Yesterday, Parks & Rec issued this mea culpa:

To All Bathhouse Locker Assignees:

We sincerely apologize for the cutting of the locks and removal of belongings from the Compo Beach bathhouse lockers that occurred over the weekend.

Unfortunately, Guest Services staff were not aware of the email communication which allowed for an extra day to clean out lockers beyond the September 30th policy date and began the task of removal as of October 1.

Any items that were removed and have not yet been retrieved have been placed in a locked storage area at Compo Beach. If you have not retrieved your items, staff will be available to assist you in claiming your belongings from the secured location during the following dates/times:

  • Tuesday, October 3, 9am – 7pm
  • Wednesday, October 4, 9am – 7pm
  • Thursday, October 5, 9am – 7pm
  • Friday, October 6, 9am – 7pm
  • Saturday, October 7, 9am – 5pm

If none of the dates/times listed above are convenient for you, please email Carmen Roda, Operations Manager at croda@westportct.gov so he can arrange access for you.

Again, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

In a phone interview, Parks & Rec director Jennifer Fava attributed the mix-up to overzealous employees trying to do the right thing.

Meanwhile, about those lanternflies …

Compo Beach lockers (Photo copyright Larry Untermeyer)

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Roundup: Compo Lanternflies, Compo Lockers, LGBTQ+ 101 …

Posted on October 2, 2023 | 17 comments

Dave Briggs headed to Compo Beach yesterday. He expected to enjoy the first dogs-allowed day of the season.

It was ruined by creatures of a different kind. There were spotted lanternflies everywhere — “all over everybody” — Dave reports.

Leigh Gage adds: “I did my part in eradicating about 100 of this invasive species at Compo. There’s a tree of heaven out on the spit of land past the kayaks, and they’re all over it.

“Perhaps some others can come squash these bugs too. I felt a little funny/ murderous killing so many — but my understanding is it’s my environmental duty.”

Spotted lanternflies on the Compo Beach cannons … (Photo/Dave Briggs)

… and nearby. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)

Bruce McFadden adds:

“Although I know lantern flies are not new to Westport, my wife and I and many others were surprised to find them everywhere on Sunday.

“During our paddle they were all over the water surface and on sea grasses just out of the E.R Strait Marina into Gray’s Creek.

“They were on our picnic table at lunch, and all over our car and tires as we departed for Compo. All sidewalks at Compo were spotted by the less fortunate members of the species.

“The Lanternfly Stomp was clearly big at the beach today, and probably all over town!”

Spotted lanternfly on the water. (Photo/Bruce McFadden)

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And another “ugh” report from Compo:

On September 26, a reader got this email from the Parks & Recreation Department:

A reminder…Our policy states that all bathhouse assignees are to clean out their lockers no later than September 30th.

You may use Sunday, October 1st to make sure that your bathhouse has been cleaned out and your lock has been removed. Any locks remaining as of Monday, October 2nd, will be cut off and the contents will be removed and discarded.

Thanking you in advance for your attention in this matter. Have a great day!

The bold items were there in the original message.

Yesterday — October 1 — he went to the beach to remove his lock.

It was already gone.

“They cut off locks and started removing everyone’s things today,” the reader says.

“Seems like a huge mistake. It’s going to cost people lots of money in ruined locks and trashed property.”

Another teed-off beachgoer posted on social media:

Our lock was cut as of 12 p.m. We found most of our stuff in a pile by the bathrooms, but there was a tractor carting piles of stuff away. There was a lot of nice stuff being removed. I believe our email said this would happen tomorrow, not today.

Compo lockers cleaned out, with contents ready for removal. (Photo/Jason Stiber)

Jason Stiber was more blunt. He told “06880”: “I have never understood logic of having no grace period. This year, even worse, they removed stuff one day early to their email.

“We’re talking thousands of dollars lost collectively, and such a waste of good, expensive beach furniture, sand toys, umbrellas, boogie boards and beach wagons.”

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But there’s good news from Compo Beach. Jo Shields Sherman reports:

“I imagine you probably got quite a few doggy pictures from yesterday, the first day dogs were allowed back on the beach.

“But here’s a nighttime one. Buggy, my service dog, has battled lymphoma for a little over a year now. Most days she feels like a puppy, and acts like one too.

“She actually started swimming this summer. She loves the beach. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”

(Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

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October 11 is National Coming Out Day.

But the dedication of the rainbow crosswalk is not the only LGBTQ+ event on the calendar.

Westport Pride, the Westport Library and Triangle Community Center are offering a 2-part community education series. The aim is to address an abundance of misinformation about the queer community.

The October 11 event — “LGBTQ+ 101” — covers basic vocabulary concepts and history.

The November 9 session applies information from the first training to real-world examples. Participants will brainstorm ways to be inclusive and affirming, and how to address bias.

Both are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required; click here.

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“Bad Influencer” — the new immersive fiction podcast whos stars include Deuxmoi, Kristen Doute, Perez Hilton and Christy Carlson Romano debuts tomorrow (October 3).

The 9-episode romantic comedy is told through the eyes of a 20-something wannabe living in New York. She makes a wish and wakes up a famous
influencer, but finds that the glitzy, glamourous world is not always what it seems.

“Bad Influencer” was written by Staples High School Class of 2005 graduate Gabi Conti. She’s the author of “Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties.”

It was co-created by fellow Westporter and international best-selling author Jane Green.

To listen on all major streaming platforms, click here.

Gabi Conti

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How much can I afford to pay at Saugatuck Sweets?

The ice cream-and-more shop, with outlets in Westport and Fairfield, is offering free classes on a wide range of financial literacy topics.

It’s a partnership with Merrill Lynch Fairfield and Junior Achievement. Sessions are scheduled for high school and middle school students.

The next one is this Saturday (October 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., 28 Reef Road). Parents are welcome to accompany their kids.

For more information or to RSVP, email adiguido@yahoo.com.

Finance workshop at Saugatuck Sweets in Fairfield.

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The bad weather has moved on. But here’s one last “Westport … Naturally” look at Meghan Norris’ back yard the other day.

With a guest.

(Photo/Meghan Norris)

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And finally … in honor of the Compo Beach lockers …

(There’s always lots of Compo news in town — and plenty more. “06880” is your source for whatever is happening. But we need your support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local business, Staples HS

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Long Lots Committee Hears New Proposal

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 24 comments

Mia Bomback reports:

Once again, the Long Lots School Building Committee failed to reach a final decision regarding a plan for a new elementary school.

But last night’s meeting brought a major development.

Literally. 

Westport architect Joseph Vallone presented his own plan for the demolition and reconstruction of a new building that preserves the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve — and the property’s existing baseball field.

Vallone’s solution? A 3-story school. 

It would be built on the site of the current baseball diamond.

He presented 2 versions. The new athletic field would be constructed where the school now stands, or on the current parking lot.

“This is 2023. We need to be designing a 3-story building with compact massing and a smaller footprint,” said Vallone, a licensed architect and developer, and member of Westport’s Public Site & Building Commission.

One version of architect Joseph Vallone’s plan …

Vallone’s idea was met with criticism from committee members. They said that a 3-story proposal violated previously stated Board of Education specifications. 

Vallone replied: “Let’s not forget that both Kings Highway [Elementary School] and Greens Farms [Elementary School] are 3 stories.”

… and another.

Following Vallone’s proposal, Jennifer Fava — director of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — presented her report on usage of the athletic fields on Long Lots property. 

The report revealed that over 11,000 participants utilize these fields annually, excluding physical education classes, adult leagues, and camp rentals. The report said there are 108 participants of the Westport Community Gardens. (Click here for a full report.)

While Fava’s report proposed possible alternative locations for a baseball field, including Winslow Park and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, these options pose “challenges” for fields requiring an abundance of space and specific topography, LLSBC member Don O’Day noted. 

Rick Koczera then provides estimates from Newfield Construction. Building Plans A and B — involving renovations and extensions — were the most expensive, totaling around $107.5 million and $105.7 million, respectively.

Plan E — calling for the relocation of the gardens — is the least expensive, with an estimated cost of $91.5 million.

Plan C-ALT — the only reconstruction plan retaining the garden’s current site (potentially in exchange of a baseball field) — was slightly more expensive, projected at around $94.3 million.

Cost estimates were projected on a screen at last night’s meeting. (Click on or hover over to enlarge)

The renovation plans take longer to finish, Koczera added, nd will require 29 to 30 months of construction before the school can operate. The reconstruction plans allow students to return to school 18 months after construction begins. 

The meeting in Town Hall Rooms 201/201A concluded with public commentary from neighbors and gardeners alike, voicing fears for sustainability of the property. 

“Our biggest concern pertains to the demolition of the gardens in lieu of a ball field,” Sloan Sehr said.

“As all of us who live on Bauer [Place] know, there are already a myriad of different drainage and flooding issues, and the removal of these community gardens is going to directly jeopardize the sanctity of our homes.

“When you don’t have all the plants, the trees to absorb all this water, what recourse do we have as residents when our basements are flooded?”

The small Town Hall meeting room was filled last night. Some attendees stood in the hall. (Photo/Karen Mather)

The committee intends to vote on which proposal to recommend to First Selectwoman Jen Tooker at next week’s meeting.

Advocates for the preservation of the garden are wary of a rushed decision. 

“I am calling on the First Selectwoman to delay [her recommendation],” Sal Liccione, a Representative Town Meeting member, said, “so we can have a community meeting, ASAP, to discuss all of our options, including Mr. Vallone’s plan.” 

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Parks & Rec Provides Field Use & Property Report

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 7 comments

Last week, Parks & Recreation Department director Jennifer Fava sent a long-awaited “Property Review and Usage” report to the Long Lots School Building Committee.

It provides a list of properties managed and maintained by her department, along with potentially usable acreage, usage information and more.

The report notes that Parks & Rec assigns blocks of time for use of the fields to various groups, which then manage their assigned times. Last year, more than 11,000 participants used the fields.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department allocates field usage to various groups. They then schedule their own games and practices. (Photo/Steve Perkins)

In the fall, Parks & Rec fields are used by Westport Baseball & Softball; PAL football, cheer, boys and girls lacrosse and track, Westport Soccer Association, and Parks & Rec.

In the spring, all those groups plus PAL rugby — except cheer — use the fields.

In summer, Parks & Rec fields are used by Baseball & Softball, PAL football and track, Continuing Education and Parks & Rec.

The report noted increased demands on the fields, as more sports added seasons beyond traditional ones; increased participation numbers; the addition of high school girls rugby, and added numbers for adult baseball, soccer and lacrosse.

The report also anticipates an increase in school enrollment, with the potential for increased demands for youths sports.

The report noted that the Long Lots baseball field is used on fall weekends by Westport Baseball & Softball, and during the spring by Parks & Rec and Staples (weekdays), and Westport Baseball & Softball (weekends).

The loss of one of the town’s 4 90-foot baseball diamonds would have “a significant impact” on baseball and other sports, the report said, citing a domino effect if the Doubleday (Kings Highway Elementary School) field had to be used (as it is also used for football and lacrosse).

PJ Romano and Doubleday Fields are used for multiple sports. Moving one sport can impact others.

Regarding the Community Gardens, the report said that Parks & Rec’s primary role is to “check the list of members provided by the Community Gardens against the sex offender registry which is necessary as it is located on school property. Once cleared, we provide a photo ID for any of those members upon request. The photo is necessary to access the gardens during school hours. Not all members request an ID.”

The report also said that Parks & Rec provides a link to the Gardens on their webpage, and “must be notified of any upcoming work at the Long Lots Preserve for authorization to proceed. We have provided limited assistance with one off issues in the past.”

The report offered 2 possibilities for potential new fields — Lillian Wadsowrth Arobretum and Winslow Park, but noted challenges including rezoning, topography and wetlands.

The report concluded with potential locations for the Community Gardens.

Baron’s South would have to be rezoned. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum would require rezoning, removal of forested areas, and the addition of utilities and parking.

Riverside Park and Winslow Park would also need to be rezoned, with more parking added.

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[OPINION] Soccer Association President: Act Now To Improve Field Capacity And Quality

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 13 comments

Jim Wolf is president of the Westport Soccer Association. A star and 2-year captain on the Staples High School team (Class of 2001), he has perspective on local athletic fields as both an athlete, and now a sports organization leader.

He hopes this piece brings heightened community awareness to the capacity and condition of Westport fields, while explaining the current and expected impact on local youth sports programs.

The Westport Soccer Association delivers the town’s youth rec and travel soccer programs. Its enrollment exceeded an average of 1,700 players during the most recent fall and spring seasons, making it the largest youth sports organization and one of the largest 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations in Westport.

The WSA is driven by the community. More than 200 parent-volunteers generously donate their time, with oversight from a board of 9 volunteers.

Similar to other youth organizations in town, participation levels have increased significantly in the post-COVID years.

As our fall enrollment grew 30% compared to 2020, our need for fields expanded as well. This fall we will field 31 travel teams, and anticipate that number to increase as the current pre-K and rec players filter up into the travel program.

Our youngest age group for travel currently has a record number of 6 teams on the boys’ side, underscoring the growth.

Each additional travel team requires an incremental 4 to 5 hours of field time per week on average. At this time, current field capacity does not accommodate future levels of enrollment. Many Westport kids unfortunately will not be able to participate unless field capacity increases.

This dynamic has been shared across the town’s youth sports programs, and existing fields have become over-utilized and unrested. As a result, conditions on the grass fields deteriorated significantly over the most recent spring season.

The WSA has ongoing discussions with the town focused on our growth and concerns. Town officials and the Parks & Recreation Department have been supportive, collaborative and creative as field constraints have become more pronounced.  They continue to dedicate a considerable amount of time to field allocation and maintenance, and communicating with the programs.

The collective understanding is that there are currently limited opportunities to bring new fields on-line, and inadequate financial resources provided for by the existing Parks & Rec budget to combat the impact of the current levels of usage.

Despite these challenges, P&R is putting forth a tremendous effort, given a suboptimal set of circumstances. The WSA appreciates their time and attention.

Hundreds of young athletes march in the Memorial Day parade.

Matters are further complicated by the Long Lots Elementar School construction project. The WSA is in the early stages of planning with the town for the fields at Long Lots to go off-line during the school’s construction period.

The WSA will use Long Lots fields for a combined 60+ hours per week this fall. Losing these fields will make an already unsustainable dynamic much worse. But the WSA will be solution-oriented, and do what it can to maintain our enrollment levels and ensure that no other town program is disproportionately impacted.

We acknowledge that much of the public discussion regarding the Long Lots School project has focused on the future of the Westport Community Gardens. But it is of equal importance to consider the effect on hundreds of families and children who will be affected not only during construction, but in perpetuity if adequate space is not allocated to safe, maintanable fields.

The Long Lots School construction will have a temporary but very meaningful impact on field availability for the WSA, as the primary users. Fields are a semi-fungible resource allocated by P&R. Time slots will need to be shifted, and other programs will be impacted as well. All opportunities to expand field capacity and improve quality (ranging from lighting to turfing to irrigation) should be quickly assessed and acted upon.

Among many other more important factors, including education specifications, cost and timeline, it is appreciated that the criteria for the Long Lots School Building Committee’s decisioning is in part based on the “impact to current site elements,” and fields are being assessed with P&R’s involvement.

That said, the hope is that (i) the approval committees will appropriately consider opportunities to improve field capacity and quality on the Long Lots campus post-construction along with any trade-offs, and (ii) the town begins planning/allocating budget now to enhance its field inventory in anticipation of the Long Lots fields going off-line during the construction period.

The WSA is hopeful that all interested parties will bring a spirit of collaboration and a willingness to compromise to discussions. Any solution should not be a win/lose situation for groups, but about what works best for the entire Westport community.

(Full disclosure: “06880” executive editor Dan Woog is a co-founder of the Westport Soccer Association, and non-voting emeritus member of its board.)

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Posted in Children, Local politics, Sports

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