“COVID Has Proved how Creative, Resilient, and Compassionate Westporters Truly Are”, First Selectman Marks One Year Anniversary
Press ReleaseFirst Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 impacting Westport:
Today marks one year since Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper, Westport Public Schools representatives, my fellow Selectpersons, various department heads and I held a press conference on the steps of Town Hall addressing the new “coronavirus” spreading throughout the world. At that time, we knew that COVID had been discovered in Westport, contact tracing efforts could not control its spread, and that community members should be made aware of the serious health and safety issues associated with the virus. We announced that the Public Schools and other town facilities would be closed. We were unaware of how circumstances would unfold in the coming days, weeks, and months to follow.
In the following days, as the town was further shut down and we all entered a phase of self-isolation, I was imploring everyone to “stay safe and stay home.” I reminded Westporters to maintain “virus distancing” everywhere; that stores and certain businesses remained open only to insure that food and essentials were available to the public; and that all other activities where people may congregate in groups must be avoided.
In short order, we realized what services were considered essential. We became reliant upon take-out food, curbside pickup, and planned for lines outside grocery stores and pharmacies. Working and schooling from home, scrambling for masks, toilet paper and disinfectant became common occurrences. It was a confusing and unsettling time. In retrospect, however, I believe the common conversations and collective experiences were a way to self-manage the significant emotional toll the pandemic was having on our lives.
We continue to remain careful and vigilant. Thankfully, due to many positive developments throughout the year, the science and information now available provides an understanding of what we must do to contain and combat the virus. I am very thankful that we are in a position today to state that we are beginning to see an end; that much of the unknown has become known; and that we are stronger as a result.
On this solemn anniversary, I send my deepest condolences to those who have lost a loved one and to others who have seen the devastating effects of this pandemic. As a community, we mourn with you and send loving thoughts that the memories of your family members and friends will sustain you in this difficult time.
I would be wholly remiss if I did not emphatically state that, despite its obvious impact, COVID has proved how creative, resilient, and compassionate Westporters truly are. The support for first responders and health care workers, words of encouragement, heart-shaped signs, painted rocks, and donations of handmade PPE, proved to be a motivating force for many. These acts of kindness brought a sense of peace and calm during extremely challenging times. The community spirit and collective concern for all was, and continues to be, uplifting.
In conclusion, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Westport residents, businesses owners, religious leaders, Town employees, and the multitude of volunteers who offered advice, maintained services, provided comfort, financial support, and generally surpassed expectations in caring for all of our neighbors. Your cooperation and unselfish participation, under extreme conditions, was extraordinary. I will always be thankful that Westporters were able to respond to and meet the unique challenge that was COVID. And I am confident that brighter days are ahead. Please continue to be safe and healthy.
For more information on Westport’s response to COVID-19, visit westportct.gov/covid, or wwhd.org. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
Police Civilian Review Board on Agenda for Tonight’s RTM Committee Meeting after 2 Week Delay
This meeting was postponed from February 16th. No explanation was given regarding the postponement of the meeting to tonight.
A discussion on a police civilian review board will take place tonight on Zoom at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held by the RTM Public Protection committee, and will discuss the proposal made by Westporter Jason Stiber to counter First Selectman Jim Marpe’s plan of a similar panel.
February 16 Agenda:
To discuss and vote to recommend to the full RTM on the following: A proposed ordinance by Jason Stiber to create a Civilian Review Board as oversight for the Westport Police Department. The purpose of such a board would be to investigate citizen complaints against members of the Westport Police Department. To also participate in hiring decisions for officers of the WPD, and to receive and make recommendations for service awards for officers of the WPD.
Zoom Meeting Info:
Phone: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 820 8639 3716
Passcode: 575476
Westport Property Transfers: 02/08/21 - 02/12/21
Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $50,447.25
Total Sales: $21,079,000
Highest Transfer Price: 4 Bluewater Lane: $5,125,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 24 Oakview Circle: $350,000
Transfers:
4 Bluewater Lane: $5,125,000
8 Brookside Drive: $4,477,500
123 Compo Road South: $1,700,000
15 Turkey Hill Circle: $1,349,000
5 Fraser Road: $1,180,000
72 Kings Highway South: $1,027,500
254 Saugatuck Avenue: $929,000
4 Bolton Lane: $925,000
6 North Ridge Road (0.5%): $900,000
6 North Ridge Road (0.5%): $900,000
44 Roseville Road: $660,000
316 Lansdowne: $625,000
37 Otter Trail (0.5 interest): $465,000
37 Otter Trail (0.5 interest): $465,000
24 Oakview Circle: $350,000
Nominations of Westport High School Seniors Needed for Community Service Award
Press ReleaseHuman Services Director Elaine Daignault has announced that the Westport Youth Commission is seeking nominations for the annual James S. Bacharach Service to the Community Award.
Ms. Daignault noted, “All qualified high school seniors from Westport are eligible for this award. This honor, given to one or more high school seniors from Westport, recognizes their significant community service contributions in our town.”
Citations have been given annually since 1989 as a tribute to the late James S. Bacharach, founder and past-president of the Youth Adult Council, predecessor of the Westport Youth Commission, which Bacharach and other concerned citizens founded in 1974. “Eligible nominations must demonstrate the student’s exemplary leadership ability and high standards of community service to Westport,” Daignault said. “Either adults or students may nominate a deserving high school senior for their contributions to our community.”
Nomination forms are available online at http://www.westportct.gov/youthservices and westportyouthcommission.org. Hard copies of the nomination form can be mailed by request.
Submissions must be accompanied by two references. A maximum of two letters of support attesting to the student’s contributions to the town can be uploaded to the application or emailed separately to kgodburn@westportct.gov . Applications/nominations must be received no later than 6pm on Friday, March 26, 2021 for consideration.
About the Westport Youth Commission
The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport adults. It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers.
For further information, contact Kevin Godburn at 203-341-1155, or via e-mail at kgodburn@westportct.gov.
Westport Planning & Zoning Commision Applies to Extend Temporary Outdoor Dining Options; Chefs/Owners Agree
According to a February 22nd application, the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission applied to extend the current temporary outdoor dining options. The application pertains to the many local restaurants using their patios, sidewalks, and other outdoor spaces in order to serve customers without having them indoors.
Local restaurant owners and chefs wrote in to support the extension, such as Match Burger Lobster’s Matt Storch, Rye Ridge Deli’s Scott Martin, Finalmente Trattoria’s Mary Iodice, and Pane Bene’s Tony Rizza and Angelo Capponi.
According to the application, “Since May 20, 2020 over 80 applications for Outdoor Activities were approved by the Planning and Zoning Dept. for local restaurants. Approvals are issued following review by the Fire Marshal’s Office to confirm all COVID-19 guidelines are met and following review by the Westport Weston Health District and other town departments on an as-needed basis.”
The initial application was set to expire on March 31st, 2021. The new application would get rid of any expiration date, allowing flexibility while the Town continues to operate in a pandemic setting.