Ferry Lane West — the official but seldom-used name of the road running along the eastbound side of the Westport railroad station parking lot — is a well traveled road.
But in their rush to get to or from trains, few folks look around.
Those that do might notice — and wonder — about the long and high brick wall rising next to them.
And, it seems, only a few people have noticed the good-sized red wooden door, set deep into the wall.
That door was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Andrew Colabella, Scott Brodie, Seth Schachter, Dan Vener, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Michael Simso were the very observant readers to correctly identify the mysterious door. (Incorrect guesses included the Kings Highway North cemetery, Viva Zapata, and a Compo Beach bathroom.)
The 1,675-foot long wall was built as part of a privacy agreement, when the Cockeroft family sold some of their estate to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad.
Over time, their handsome home — built around 1890, and accessible via a steam launch from New York City — deteriorated.
Around 1950, Lawrence Langner of the Theatre Guild, Lincoln Kirstein of Lincoln Center and arts patron Joseph Verner Reed tried to build an American Shakespeare Theatre and Academy on the property. Proximity to the train station was a major piece of the plan.
The price for all 21 acres: $200,000.
But many residents objected. There were also concerns that it would draw audiences away from the Westport Country Playhouse. (Others argued that a Shakespeare Theatre would enhance the town’s reputation as an arts community.)
The theater was never built here. It opened in the aptly named town of Stratford, Connecticut in 1955, and was moderately successful until ceasing operations 30 years later.
In 1956 Westporters Leo Nevas and Nat Greenberg, along with Hartford’s Louis Fox, bought the property for residential development, called Stony Point.
Little remains of the original estate. But the brick wall — and that odd, little noticed door — is still there. (Click here for more details.)
Here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Richard Hyman)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else we post — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
Posted onJuly 25, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: “Clubhouse” Approval, RTM Petitions, Gloria’s Woods …
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously last night to approve the indoor golf and entertainment center — “The Clubhouse” — proposed for 1608-1620 Post Road East (the current site of Redi-Cut Carpet and Pane e Bene restaurant).
The P&Z also okayed 10 townhouses, at the rear of the property. Two will be affordable, as determined by state guidelines.
That’s a much less intensive use than a previous developer’s plan, for an 8-30g housing development there:
An earlier 8-30g concept for 1608-1620 Post Road East.
Last night’s decision is the first step in the process for Westport residents Tim and Emily Zobl. Next on the agenda: a final site plan.
Speaking of local politics: Want to run for the Representative Town Meeting?
Petitions for our legislative branch — the RTM — are available, starting today in the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
Interested candidates must gather 25 signatures from residents in their district to be on the ballot November 7. The deadline is September 12.
The 36-person RTM is non-partisan; all terms are 2 years. There are 9 voting districts, with 4 members each. Click here for a district map.
RTM members vote on town appropriation requests of more than $20,000; approve town ordinances, and the town budget; serve on 2 or more committees, and review certain decisions of town boards and commissions.
For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
“Gloria” — Alan Sterling’s beloved oyster boat, which graced Gray’s Creek for many years but deteriorated slowly after his death 9 years ago — may have found its final resting place.
(Photo/Bruce McFadden)
Perhaps it was moved into the nearby woods. Perhaps it was deposited there by a very high tide.
Whatever happened, “Gloria” is now out of the water.
To read a number of “06880” back stories on this legendary Westport craft — and its oysterman captain — click here.
The blue-wrapped house at 233 Hillspoint Road has generated a lot of controversy — and not gotten much love — over the past few years.
Another blue-wrapped construction project has not generated many comments at all.
But, many Westporters wonder: What’s going on at the corner of Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
177 Main Street — the restored 1775 house that was most recently home to Local to Market, and before that Talbots and (of course) the Remarkable Book Shop — was purchased by Eleish Van Breems Home Westport.
Headquartered on Franklin Street, and with stores on Railroad Place and Nantucket, Eleish Van Breems offers “a clean, elegant and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence.”
There’s no target date for opening.
But it’s safe to say it will be a lot sooner than that very-unloved home on Hillspoint.
================================================
Want a sneak peek at Tacombi, the new Mexican restaurant replacing A&J’s Market on the Post Road between Lansdowne and Stop & Shop?
And want to support a great cause at the same time?
Realtor Judy Michaelis and Hightower Financial Group host a pre-opening party on August 4 (5:30 p.m.). There’s plenty of food and drink — and 100% of ticket sales directly support Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The recent appointment of Dr. Penny Proskinitopoulos as principal of Coleytown Middle School created a vacancy at Staples High School. She spent the past 2 years there, as assistant principal.
That post has been filled by a familiar face. Micah Lawrence returns to the place where he began his academic career — which is also his alma mater.
Lawrence worked for many years at Staples as a school counselor, administrator and coach.
Micah Lawrence
============================================
Lyman, Ukraine continues to need help.
And Felicia Catale keeps helping.
The owner of Salon Nash on Post Road West is giving free haircuts to anyone who donates to our sister city.
Her cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for standard rates. But anyone who contributes any amount gets one, gratis.
Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).
Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!
Everyone has a different way to enjoy Compo Beach.
Some people ride bikes, jog, walk, or walk their dogs. Some play basketball or softball. Others rollerblade, skateboard, kayak or kitesurf. A few even swim.
The Vermont-based band with a huge cult following attracted tons of out-of-towners to the Levitt Pavilion. The crowd danced for nearly the entire 5-hour set.
Just to remind everyone where they were, this was part of the scene:
Longtime Westporter Sanford (Sandy) Libow — one of our last World War II veterans — died last month in Stamford. Addie, his wife of 67 years, was at his side. He was 96 years old.
After graduating from Brooklyn’s James Madison High School and
serving in the Army, he earned his master’s from New York University. He was
editor-in-chief of the yearbook and the University Guidebook. Sandy then joined Fairfield Publications as a reporter.
In 1952 he founded Ideal Electrical Supply Corp. in Mt. Kisco, New York. He was president and CEO until he sold the business in 1999.
Sandy’s many community activities included president of Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor, New York and Birchwood Country Club. He also served on the boards of The Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, and Temple Israel.
In 1973 he was honored by the Westchester County Bond Drive, in
celebration of Israel’s 25th anniversary. He was particularly proud of his volunteer service at Boca Regional Hospital’s Infusion Lab in Florida.
Sandy took pride that from humble beginnings he became a person with broad
interests including sports, politics, art, music, theatre, movies and bridge, with a particular love for jazz.
He was an avid tennis player and golfer, and was extremely knowledgeable in all sports, particularly his beloved New York Mets.
In addition to Addie he is survived by his daughter Lindsey Weinstein and son Marc; grandchildren Scott (Caitlin), Jess, Nick, Claudia, Jordyn and Zachary, and great-granddaughter Alina, who was born just 2 days before he died, as well as his daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Elise, son-in-law Bruce and his brother Dr. Leslie Libow (Linda).His eldest child, Daryl Libow, died in 2018
Sandy Libow
==============================================
Wasps make huge nests.
When they hang on tree branches, we watch them with a combination of awe and fear.
But this one is much closer to home — literally.
It’s the first wasp nest featured on “Westport … Naturally.” Let’s hope — at least at this site — it’s the last.
And finally … in honor of the scene at the Westport railroad station (story above): There are a zillion train songs I could have picked.
This one — by our next door neighbor — seems most appropriate:
(Today — and every day — the Roundup is filled with news you can use. Or not — that’s up to you. But if you appreciate all the work that goes into compiling it, please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: “Clubhouse” Approval, RTM Petitions, Gloria’s Woods …
Just after 9 a.m. today, a man began damaging vehicles in Lot #3 on the south side of the tracks at the Westport train station.
Shawn Sember, the full-time officer assigned to the station, took him into custody without incident.
Six cars were vandalized, ranging from windshield wipers to mirrors. The suspect appeared to damage vehicles at random, and did not intend to steal them.
Police ask commuters to inspect their cars today. Call 203-341-6000 if there is new damage. (Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)
Vehicles were damaged in the south lot (top) of the Westport train station. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
A follow-up on the Representative Town Meeting’s recent “Community Conversation on Affordable Housing” promises to be as important and illuminating as the first.
“Our Town’s Affordable Housing Needs and Solutions: What Westporters Should Know and How They Can Help” will be held — virtually — on Wednesday (May 17, 7:30 p.m.).
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead a panel of men and women who know the topic intimately: 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.
As with the first session — which drew 200 people — there will be plenty of time for public questions.
Over the years, I have read many comments, complaints and suggestions about utility poles on “06880.”
I am reminded of them all each day on my morning walk, as I pass by this set of seemingly unstable utility poles on Hillspoint Road between Harding Lane and Valley Road.
For over 5 years, I wondered when the appropriate utilities will transfer all their lines to the newer replacement pole and remove the decayed one.
It seems it will never happen. But lately there has been some progress: a new black nylon band has been added to somehow supplement the existing the wooden brace clamp, the metal support arms, and bands of rope!
A crowd of nearly 300 “walked the line” to see Johnny Folsom 4’s tribute to Johnny Cash Saturday night, at the Westport Library.
A record 126 people had dinner at 10 downtown restaurants before the show, as part of “Supper & Soul.” The downtown dinner and concert series is produced by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Just in time for Pride Month, Westport Pride has a new web presence.
The colorful, easy-to-navigate site (www.westportpride.org) builds on the non-profit’s mission to “elevate, educate and empower” the town about LGBTQ issues and community members.
Upcoming events include
Pride Celebration (Sunday, June 4, noon-4 p.m., Jesup Green)
“Light Up the Night” drag show (Saturday, June 17, 5 p.m., MoCA)
An oral history project — organized in conjunction with the Westport Museum for History & Culture — is looking for people to interview about their lives and times: in school, at the Brook Café, or anywhere else in the area. Email cmenard@westporthistory.org.
The Westport Rotary Club recently joined Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, to rebuild a house in Bridgeport. The project helps residents become homeowners.
This was the first time Westport Rotary volunteered at Habitat. It was so popular, a return visit has been scheduled for next year.
Co-founder Christian Montgomery — a 2018 Staples High School graduate — is creating quality, comfortable clothing, inspired by the oceans.
His goal is to build a community around the brand — and one that supports mental health awareness.
One of the founders lost a friend to suicide. He had recently joined the military. So Sholder is donating 5% of profits to the Headstrong Project. The non-profit provides mental health resources to active military members, and veterans.
This Saturday (May 20, noon to 4 p.m.) they’ll run their first pop-up event at the Two Roads Vendor Market (1700 Stratford Avenue, Stratford). Sholdr will be in the hopyard talking about their mission, and selling shirts and hoodies.
The latest Westport clear-cutting project took some Westporters by surprise,
In fact, it’s part of an 8-30g project approved before the moratorium took effect.
122 Wilton Road — the 1.16-acre parcel bordered by Wilton Road, Kings Highway North, the Saugatuck River and Taylortown Salt Marsh — will be the site of a 3-story, 19-unit, 20,078-square foot apartment complex..
In 2018, the state Appellate Court denied a plan by Garden Homes of Stamford to build a 7-story, 48-unit apartment complex.
The developer returned with the smaller, 19-unit proposal, which included an 8-30g component.
Again the P&Z rejected the request. The scale was still too big; there were still traffic and fire safety issues.
But Garden Homes appealed, and a court overruled the P&Z. According to 8-30g, affordability trumps traffic and safety concerns.
COVID pushed back the schedule. But eventually the Conservation Department, Water Pollution Control Facility and Building Department issued permits.
Bill “Mr. Memorial Day Parade” Vornkahl notes that many organizations have not yet replied to invitations to participate in the Memorial Day parade.
So, organizations: If you want to be in Westport’s best parade of the year, contact Jamie Boone at the Westport Parks & Recreation Department: jboone@westportct.gov; 203-341-5091.
Don’t be left out of the Memorial Day parade! (Photo/Jodi Harris)
MoCA’s Spring Thursday evening “Cocktails and Conversation” series has begun. It features compelling speakers, within the context of MoCA’s current exhibition.
The current show — “Rainbow in the Dark,” with works by German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle — runs through May 28.
“Cocktails and Conversation” includes:
April 27 (6 p.m.), “Creativity and Climate Action”: 4 Bridgeport artists show (and offer for sale) the projects they’ve created.
May 4 (5 p.m.), “The Wellness of Style” with Gayle Perry, exploring “the noise that our clothes and spaces create for us, with 15-minute style sessions.
May 11 (6 p.m.), Iraqi multi-instrumentalist Ameen Mokdad.
May 18 (6 p.m.), Conversation with “Rainbow in the Dark” curator Emann Odufu, followed by a concert by rock band Darling.
May 25 (6 p.m.), Barbara Sallick of Waterworks and Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs on female entrepreneurship, home design trends, and the blending of function and style.
Most events are free for MoCA members, $10 for non-members. For more information click here, or call 203-222-7070.
‘The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport sponsors its 4th one on Saturday, April 29 (5 to 9 p.m.). Billy Fischer is the caller, accompanied by Wry Bred.
All ages are invited. There’s pizza and cake too. Donations ($5 per person, $15 per family) are requested. Questions? Call 203-227-7205, ext. 10. Swing your partner ’round!
===========================================
Speaking of concerts: The Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer concert series “Music at the Barn” returns for its 8th season. Concerts are set for June 4 and June 25, July 9 and July 23, and September 10.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for food, history, crafts and fun. Music starts at 5:30 p.m., and ends at 7.
The bands are from throughout Fairfield County. Kids will enjoy the crafting table, historic games and a walk through the sculpture garden. Adults can explore history with tours of the Coley House and “Penned, Painted & Sculpted: Weston Artists 1900 – 1965” exhibit.
Reminder: The launch party for “Pick of the Pics” — the “06880” book highlighting over 100 of our blog’s best Pics of the Day — is this Sunday (April 30, 2 to 4 p.m., Savvy + Grace, 146 Main Street).
Books will be available for purchase at a special price of $20 (regular Amazon price: $24.95).
I’ll sign copies; so will Lyah Muktavaram, my “06880” intern who did 99% of the work on it.
Photographers featured in the book can pick up a free book at the launch party too.
Alert reader Jim McKay writes: “In 1982, when the Saugatuck train station rain shelters were installed, the Ukrainian flag colors were used. Long before Ukrainian independence.”
(Photo/Jim McKay)
=================================================
Last week, Amy Schneider captured — on camera, that is — today’s “Westport … Naturally feature: a snowy egret, perched over the Saugatuck River.
And fiinally ,,, Harry Belafonte, whose life was defined as much by his work on civil rights as by his popularizing of calypso music in the pop realm, died yesterday in New York of congestive heart failure. He was 96.
Belafonte attended fundraisers here, during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Click here for a full obituary of this remarkable man.
(If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
