Tag Archives: Westport Safety Action Plan

Roundup: November Elections, Longshore Shed, Just Salad …

In November Westporters will elect 3 selectpersons, plus members of the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Appeals.

The Westport Democratic Town Committee invites registered Democrats interested in running to attend a Zoom forum on February 6 (7 p.m.). It’s a chance for potential candidates to hear what it’s like to serve on a local board, and learn the fundamentals of campaigning. The Zoom link can be found .

For questions or to RSVP, email info@westportdemocrats.org.

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Speaking of local politics: There are 2 agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 3 meeting (6 p.m., remote).

One is a request for a sewer line extension to Ellery Lane.

The other — more controversial, no doubt — is a request from Public Works and the first selectwoman for a new Parks & Recreation Department building at Longshore.

Full details will be available closer to the meeting.

The current maintenance shed at Longshore.

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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted the release of the draft of a Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants as part of our town’s Safe Streets for All program.

Residents can weigh in on the plan by submitting a comment to SS4A@westportct.gov online, and/or attending public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday (January 29, 7 p.m., Town Hall audigorium).

To read the Draft Westport Safety Action Plan, click here. For the Safe Streets for All website, click here.

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Just Salad has just opened.

The 3rd Connecticut outpost of the Northeast-plus-Florida and Illinois chain replaces Salsa Fresca and Qdoba, near the entrnace to Playhouse Square.

Perhaps the quick-casual-but-not-Mexican menu will work.Cick here to learn more about Just Salad.

Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad.

A guy with just a salad, from Just Salad.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 15 and 22.

A 26-year-od Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft, illegal possessio nof personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, followin an investigation into an armed carjacking in Bridgeport in September. In October, a stolen vehicle was recovered after crashing into a Wilton police officer. While processing the recovered stolen vehicle, several checks belonging to residents of Westport and other towns were seized. The man is being held on $75,000 bond.

A 51-year-old Weston woman was charged with interering with an officer/ resisting, and making a false statement, after an incident in august. A complaint was made that the woman — a former girlfirend — broke into the victim’s residence and created a disturbance. The woman made accusations against the complainant that could not be corroborated, and filed for a restraining order using facts that were proved to be false. She was released after posting $30,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

A 36-year-old woman was charged with breach of peace and assault on an elderly victim, following a disturbance at Sakura. The woman asked a group of allegedly intoxicated diners to stop cursing and being disruptive. When the group left the restaurant, the woman followed them outside. They argued, and the woman grabbed the 62-year-old complainant’s hair, causing her to fall. The woman posted bond of $5,000, and will appear in Stamford Superior court.

A 20-year-old Wilton man was charged with breach of peace, criminal mischief and 2 counts of reckless endangerment, after someone sitting in their car in the McDonald’s parking lot complained they were shot by a paintball. A complaint was made almost immediately, by someone further east on the Post Road that he was shot several times while entering his car. Similar incidents were reported in Fairfield and Darien. Through surveillance footage, the mn and a juvenile were identified as suspects. He posted $70,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding over 70 mph: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

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Chris Grimm says that for about 2 weeks, this motor home has been parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot:

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

Has someone (or several people) taken up residence there?

Hey — at least they’re parked as far from the store as they can. They take up as few spaces as possible.

And they’re not in the fire lane.

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Betty Ann Jones — a 62-year resident of Westport — died at home, surrounded by her family, on Januaary 18. She was 97.

Betty Ann was a world traveler, avid reader and accomplished golfer. At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Chhurch, she was a member of the altar guild and served on the vestry.

She was predeceased by her husband Howard, and sons David and Evan. She is survived by her children Howard (Barbara Smythe Jones) and daughter Barbara Jones; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, for the exceptional care they provided the last 6 months.

A memorial service is set for February 15 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 10 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Ann’s memory may be made to The Groden Center, in support of individuals with autism, or Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Click here to leave online condolences.

Betty Ann Jones

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There’s always room for a deer photo in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this one, on the way to Burying Hill Beach.

Perhaps there was a snowball fight …

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the opening of Just Salad (story above):

(From politics to restaurants, Longshore to Stop & Shop — and for every other bit of news — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

“Safe Streets” Draft Plan Offers Data And Ideas

Anyone who drives, walks, bicycles or scooters in Westport knows our roads are dangerous.

Now we’ve got it in writing.

Tighe & Bond — the consultants hired last year by the town to formulate a comprehensive “safe streets for all” action plan, with a $450,000 federal grant — has weighed in with their first draft.

That’s the right term. It weighs in at a hefty 83 pages.

The front cover of the Safety Action Plan draft shows downtown without — incredibly — much traffic.

Some of it is table-setting: background of the project, information about previous studies, etc.

But the Shelton-based consultants certainly reached out to the town. They researched police records, held meetings, devised surveys, and created an interactive map for residents to comment on particularly dangerous areas, offer suggestions, and even praise whatever currently works.

Westporters responded. The leading issue was driver/car safety (32%), followed by pedestrians (22%), intersections (19%) and visibility (13%). Bike, school and transit issues were also mentioned.

Residents’ responses to the interactive safety map showed concerns all over town.

There were few surprises. The highest number of motor vehicle accidents take place on the Post Road, in Saugatuck, and along North Avenue and Cross Highway.

Using a formula involving crashes, public perception and more, the consultants prioritized these roadways:

They also prioritized these intersections:

Tighe & Bond offered several policy recommendations. They include:

  • Pedestrian and bicylce master plan
  • Adopt red ight and/or speed cameras (recently approved by the state)
  • Comprehensive street light policy
  • Establish a team or dedicated person to implement and manage recommended changes, safety projects, and pursue grants.

Of 30 project recommendations, all but 2 were ranked “highest” or “high.” The top 5 are:

Kings Highway North, between Post Road and Wilton Road: pedestrian facility and sight distance improvements (estimated cost: $3-4 million)

Riverside Avenue at Bridge Street: modern roundabout ($5-6 million)

North Avenue and Long Lots Road to Cross Highway: pedestrian facility and intersection improvements ($500,000-$1 million)

Compo Road North at Evergreen Avenue; Easton Road at Bayberry Lane; Sylvan Road North at Pequot Trail; Long Lots Road at Bayberry Lane/Maple Avenue North: intersection sight distance improvements (vegetation clearing, approach realignment, and/or intersection control modifications (less than $25,000 per location)

Lower speed limit to 30 mph on town roads; consider 25 mph on commercial corridor (cost estimate not applicable).

The full list of all 30 recommendations is below:

To read the full report, click here.

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Roundup: Flood Preparations, Freezing Temperatures, Safe Streets …

Los Angeles is nearly 3,000 miles away.

But fires on the West Coast are a huge concern here too. Many Westporters know relatives and friends affected by the blazes.

And disasters like these can lead to increased insurance premiums nationwide.

Realtor Judy Michaelis says, “it’s essential to take steps now to understand and mitigate risks where possible.”

She assesses property risks through Risk Factor, a tool from the non-profit First Street Foundation.

While wildfire risk in Westport is very low, flooding is a more pressing concern. Judy says that 3,074 properties in Westport — 35% of all properties — risk flooding within the next 30 years.

Enter your address on the site to access a free, detailed flood risk report. This resource is invaluable for understanding and addressing your property’s vulnerability.

Even if your risk is low, Judy adds, you should check in with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage is adequate for replacement costs. They’ve increased significantly recently.

Floods are increasingly frequent in Westport. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, in anticipation of upcoming plunging temperatures.

It’s in effect from tomorrow (January 19, 6 p.m.) through Friday, January 24, noon).

Westport has several warming centers. They include:

Westport Senior Center: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
MoCA Westport: Thursday, 12- 8 p.m.; Friday, 12-4 p.m.
For assistance, contact Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050 Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Y is one of Westport’s 5 warming centers.

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Another topic of interest for all residents is traffic.

The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) draft of the Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants, is now available for review and public comment. Click here to read it.

Comments can be sent to SS4A@westportct.gov online or by attending the public meeting scheduled for January 29 (not yet on the town calendar).

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Westporters love to read.

Now, readers can help select the winner of the third annual Westport Prize for Literature.

Voluneers are needed to help vet manuscripts for the 2025 honor. It will be awarded this fall at the Library’s StoryFest.

Readers must be Westport residents. They will read 2-3 manuscripts, then submit feedback online.

Results will help determine which finalists advance to an independent jury. Click here for more information, and to apply as a reader.

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Meanwhile, across the green from the Library, Pause + Purpose — the Jesup Road yoga and meditation center — is closing its studio.

However, gatherings will continue to be held elsewhere.

A note to clients says, “Pause + Purpose is not a building; it’s us. It’s the spirit we’ve created together. This evolution is not an ending but a continuation—an opportunity to serve not only this cherished community but many others in deeper, more impactful ways.

“Our mission, our heart, is not confined to walls. Wherever we gather, Pause + Purpose will remain a place for healing, connection, and belonging.”

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Orin Ganz’s daughter Eden Zechariah was murdered by Hamas, after the terror group invaded Israel.

Since then, she has dedicated herself to “defeating the darkness.”

Tomorrow (January 19), the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life CT (11:30 a.m., 228 Saugatuck Avenue) presents a “lunch and listen” event.

Ganz will speak via Zoom from Israel about “Flying with Broken Wings; Tools for Coping with Life’s Challenges, and Developing Mental Resilience.” Click here for more information.

Eden Zechariah

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Former Westport resident Madeleine Conway died recently. She was 87, and lived in Delray Beach, Florida.

A native of the Netherlands who moved to Long Island in 1940, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College, and Columbia University’s School of International Affairs.

Madeleine helped artists launch their New York careers in the 1970s. She wrote
prominent in the art world She co-wrote “The Museum of Modern Art Artists’ Cookbook” and “Gourmet to Go: The New York Guide to Dining Out at Home.”

She was a trustee emeritus of The Perez Art Museum in Miami. Her family, art, reading and travel were her biggest passions.

Madeleine was predeceased by her husbands Paul Conway and Stanley Rubenfeld, and her good friend Victor Rubino. She is survived by her son Andrew Conway (Jill), daughters Victoria Newman and Alexandra Conway Marks (Steven), 7 grandchildren, and sisters Dorothy Bennett (Richard)
and Jacqueline Walker (Arthur).

Donations may be made in Madeleine’s name to Colorectal Research Foundation
at Memorial Sloan Kettering (c/o Dr. Lagunes Reidy or eheald@pamm.org at the
Perez Art Museum.

Madeleine Conway 

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As temperatures are set to drop, let’s not forget our feathered friends.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the importance of keeping everyone — and everything — fed and healthy.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally …  A. A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. The English author, poet, and playwright died in 1956.

(“06880” helps you prepare for all kinds of weather — and brings you all kinds of news. That’s the way we roll, 24/7/365. To support our hyper-local coverage, please click here. Thank you!)

Interactive Town Traffic Map: No, You’re Not Alone

“No one stops at the stop sign on Long Lots Road, near the High Point Road hill.”

“People always disregard the ‘Do Not Enter’ sign on Wright Street.”

“Put a page on the town website, listing all construction work, road work, tree work, cable work, etc. Prevent bottlenecks before they happen!”

Those are 3 of the more than 1,850 suggestions, comments, complaints and ideas posted to an interactive map of Westport.

Screenshot of the interactive traffic safety map. Orange is a “thumbs-down” icon; gray is for “idea,” while the few blue icons are for “thumbs-up.” Seems like the only place in town without a traffic issue is Sherwood Island State Park.

Among the most popular subjects: sidewalks, crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights, left-turn signals, speed humps, and roundabouts.

The brainchild of the town’s Traffic and Pedestrian Task Force, the map was developed by consultants Tighe & Bond. The project — part of Westport’s Safe Streets & Roads for All Safety Action Plan — went live in February.

Comments are now closed.

The task force has been processing the public input, examining motor vehicle and pedestrian accident data, and pinpointing overlaps between those records and areas of concern.

Results will be presented at the next public information meeting, this fall.

Meanwhile, you can look at the map — with its 1,850-plus comments — yourself. Click here, click “View the Map,” click on an icon, zoom in, and realize you’re not the only one with an issue.

Or a genius idea.

(“06880” can’t solve Westport’s traffic woes. But we sure can report on them. And we do — often — along with every other aspect of town life. But we need reader support! Please click here — and thank you!)

Roundup: Wakeman Fields, Traffic Survey, Redi-Cut Carpets …

What works for Long Lots Elementary School must also work for Bedford Middle School.

Put another way: What’s good for the Westport Community Gardens is also good for Wakeman Park.

The Board of Selectwomen affirmed yesterday that no one — including dog walkers and regular human walkers — will be allowed on the athletic fields and paths adjacent to BMS during school hours.

The ban does not apply to Wakeman Town Farm.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava were unable to find a way to keep the large Wakeman Field property safe, the selectwomen were told at their meeting yesterday.

The board had voted on the ban — which was first suggested as a safety issue for Long Lots, which is located near the Community Gardens — last month.

Yesterday’s discussion followed that earlier vote, which included a sense of the meeting resolution to examine the possibility of a solution for Wakeman.

The Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School (not shown, off to the left of the photo) will be off-limits to non-school personnel during school hours. 

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Everyone talks about traffic and safety.

Now you can spur some action.

But after more than 3 months, you’ve only got one day left. The deadline is tomorrow (Friday, May 10).

An online map-based survey was introduced this winter. It’s an interactive, even fun (!) way for residents to provide feedback on Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan project.

Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).

Click here to take the survey. Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.

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If you’ve driven past the former Pane e Bene restaurant on the Post Road, you’ve noticed plenty of construction.

Work on The Clubhouse — the golf-and-more simulator/event space — is moving ahead. It should open later this year.

You may also think that Redi-Cut — the longtime family business next door — is closed.

They’re not.

Though they were shut for a couple of weeks for renovations, they’re very much open.

“They’ve been amazing partners as our project moves forward,” says Clubhouse co-founder Emily Zobl. She invites customers — old and new — to check out their updated space.

Meanwhile, you can check out The Clubhouse’s progress via Instagram and their website.

Redi-Cut Carpets: Open for business. Tim Zobl (The Clubhouse co-owner, center) is flanked by Redi-Cut owners (from left) Harry Arnowich and Matt Arnowich.

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The Public Works Department’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 13). It continues through the mid-June.

These roads will be paved, though not necessarily in this order:

  • Brookside Drive
  • Evergreen Avenue
  • Evergreen Parkway
  • Kings Highway North
  • Crawford Road
  • Hillandale Lane
  • East Main Street
  • Rainey Lane
  • Pioneer Road
  • Maple Avenue South
  • Greenbrier Road
  • Church Street North
  • Pleasant Valley Lane
  • Brightfield Lane
  • Imperial Avenue
  • Green’s Farms Road
  • Morningside Drive North

Questions? Call Public Works: 203-341-1120.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 1 and 8.

A 62-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for breach of peace, following an altercation with an employee at Minuteman Cleaners over the price charged. The man grabbed the items, causing minor injuries to the employee, and left the store.

A 25-year-old Westport woman was arrested on failure to appear, and violation of probation. She was unable to post a $30,000 bond.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Unsafe passing: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license: 1
  • Falsification of markers: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to carry registration: 1

There were 2 license plate violations this past week. This was not one of them. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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The Westport Fire Department hosts a promotion ceremony tomorrow (Friday, May 10, 3:30 p.m, Town Hall auditorium).

Assistant chief Matthew Cohen will be promoted to deputy fire chief; Lieutenant Jason Kronenberger moves to to assistant chief, while Firefighter Matthew Wille becomes a lieutenant.

The public is invited.

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Explore the horticulture, beauty and bounty of rhododendrons on May 19 (10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Carriage Barn Art Center, New Canaan) — then tour the magnificent gardens at Blau House, off Bayberry Lane in Westport (1 to 4 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rhododendrons, at Blau House & Gardens.

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After receiving critical acclaim in Europe, “Here Lived”‘s May 5 debut screening quickly sold out. An encore show has been added, on May 21 (7 p.m., Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City).

Music by Brian Keane — the Grammy Award-winning composer/Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate — adds depth to the film, which is a story of children hidden during World War II, murdered parents, generational trauma, and an artist’s vision for healing.

Keane and director Jane Wells will join a panel after the showing. Click here for tickets.

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Was Officer Richard Bagley protecting and serving yesterday?

Or citing this guy for jaywalking?

Either way, the Westport Police Department was taking care of business, on Hillandale Road.

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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Speaking of turtles: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Westport nature lesson comes from Compo Beach.

Lou Weinberg writes: “I found this little guy yesterday. I’m sure there’s more where he/she came from. So, if you’re at the beach and something looks like a stone, look twice. It might be a diamondback terrapin baby. Place it in the water and let it go.

“It’s amazing that with all the beach maintenance and use, these creatures can survive around here. Ain’t nature grand?”

Lou adds this link, for information and fun facts from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy 75th birthday to Billy Joel! There are only hundreds of songs I could choose to highlight. Here are 3 of my favorites:

(Another day, another “06880” Roundup, another reminder that we rely on reader support to keep doing what we do. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Traffic Moving Steadily — At Least, Its Task Force Is

Solutions to Westport’s traffic woes may move more slowly than the vehicles that race around town.

But they’re coming.

That was one of the messages delivered at last night’s Traffic Pedestrian Safety public meeting.

Three dozen residents — many of them RTM representatives and other town officials — heard members of the Traffic & Pedestrian Task Force, and an outside consulting firm, describe steps they’ve already taken, and will take, to address the thorny issue.

The task force, created by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, was represented by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, Police Corporal Al D’Amura and Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson, Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, town operations director Tom Kiely, and town engineer Keith Wilberg.

Four members of the Tighe & Bond engineering firm presented too.

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left) Pete Ratkiewich, Al D’Amurra, Ryan Paulsson, Nick Marsan and Keith Wilberg, last night at Town Hall.

Increased traffic enforcement — particularly around schools — has led to 3,580 traffic stops since October: a 39% increase. More than 170 of those stops have been made on Easton Road, near Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools.

That’s a direct result of the 4 police officers assigned to Westport’s 8 schools (Staples/Bedford, Coleytown Middle and Elementary, Kings Highway/Saugatuck and Long Lots/Greens Farms), Paulsson said.

In addition, several sidewalks have been built, crosswalks have been designated, and no-parking zones created.

A map showed that traffic enforcement takes place all over Westport. “It’s not just on the Post Road,” Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson noted. (Photos/Dan Woog)

A $562,500 grant — 75% of it federal, 25% local — will help Tighe & Bond devise a safety action plan by next February.

It may include traffic enforcement cameras, at selected locations. State legislation passed recently now allows municipalities to install the devices. But there are many stipulations, such as demonstrated need. Westport is moving forward to qualify, Paulsson said.

Data collection on accidents and “hot spots” continues, the consultants explained. There have been 2,944 motor vehicle accidents over the past 5 years, with 5 fatalities and 37 serious injuries.

Among the most troublesome areas: the Post Road, and Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues.

Twenty-eight involved pedestrians, while 6 involved bicyclists.

The “interactive survey map” has been helpful. Over 1,350 people have logged on, to register complaints and comments, and offer solutions.

Many involve the Post Road, Riverside Avenue, Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway. Low responses have come from the northwest (Redcoat Road) and southeast (Greens Farms) sections of town.

The survey is open until May 10. Click here to see and respond.

In the public portion of the meeting, several RTM members spoke about their districts’ concerns.

Congestion, dangerous drivers and poor visibility were mentioned frequently.

Bicyclists were not forgotten. RTM member Peter Gold asked for debris to be cleared from roadsides, potholes filled and vegetation removed, so that cyclists would not have to veer into roadways.

Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty urged the creation of more bike lanes, noting studies that show narrower lanes lead to safer streets.

(Click here for Westport’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety page.)

(Everyone talks about traffic. “06880” brings you news about it — along with everything else going on in Westport. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)