First Selectman’s Update: More Activities Planned as Summer Begins in Westport
Press ReleaseWestport, CT - First Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following update today:
As of April 16, the percent of Westport’s population that has received at least the first COVID-19 vaccination dose is as follows:
65+ 93%
45-64 83%
15-44 50%
These vaccination statistics are encouraging, and it is recommended that all residents who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine do so as soon as possible. Click here to find a vaccine provider near you and book an appointment. 1) Enter your zip code; 2) Choose a provider from the list of options, use that provider’s scheduling system to make an appointment. To register for an appointment via telephone, call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224.
Given the success of Connecticut’s vaccine roll out, Governor Lamont recently announced significant easing of COVID restrictions. These revisions are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated. Additional clarification will be forthcoming:
Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021, all restaurants will be allowed to remain open until a 12:00 AM closing time. Beverage-only service outdoors will be permissible and the 8-person limit on outdoor dining will be lifted.
Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021, all remaining gathering restrictions will be lifted, except masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible.
The Town of Westport municipal buildings remain open to the public by appointment. Throughout the pandemic, Town departments maintained the capacity to offer and fulfill all town services. Residents are encouraged to continue accessing town services online. Members of the public may also schedule appointments for in-person meetings or other services that require additional assistance.
Governor Lamont’s declaration renewing the public health and civil preparedness emergencies allows for continuing remote public meetings. This declaration remains in effect through May 20, 2021. Town officials are monitoring both changes to the declaration, as well as legislation that might allow for the possibility of in-person “hybrid meetings.” Hybrid public meetings will allow both in-person and remote participation. Last week, the technical capabilities to conduct hybrid meetings were successfully tested at the Board of Selectman meeting. It is expected that in the near future, the State will authorize municipalities to host hybrid public meetings. In the meantime, public meetings will continue to be conducted via Zoom.
Planning is ongoing for opening or expanding the following town amenities and activities:
The Center for Senior Activities and Toquet Hall are planning for the possibility of outdoor and limited indoor programming in late spring or early summer.
As of May 1, 2021, vehicle parking emblems will be required on all vehicles to enter Compo, Soundview and Old Mill beach parking lots and on May 29, 2021 at Burying Hill Beach. All vehicle parking emblem purchases must be made online at www.westportrecreation.com. Daily parking for non-residents will be allowed this summer at Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach. Visit www.westportrecreation.com for daily parking rates.
The Parks & Recreation Department and Selectman’s Office continue to plan for a Memorial Day parade. The Fourth of July fireworks event is still under consideration pending further guidance from the State.
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently preparing to open its facilities and is planning to offer programs that were not available last summer due to COVID-19. The Department’s goal is to create safe environments for all facility users and program participants by following best practices and State guidelines.
Longshore Golf Course is open for play, as are several tennis locations. The Compo Beach pickleball courts, the skate park facility, platform tennis, Compo basketball courts, and playgrounds are open as well.
The Board of Selectmen approved the Downtown Merchants Association’s Fitness and Health Expo scheduled for May 1 (rain date May 2) and the Fine Arts Festival scheduled for May 29-30.
The Board of Selectmen approved the closure of Church Lane to allow for expanded outdoor dining.
The Board of Selectmen approved the use of the Imperial Avenue Lot for the Remarkable Theater’s Drive-In Movie Theater and for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library’s Supper and Soul events.
The Levitt Pavilion is planning its season, to be held in compliance with any necessary COVID considerations related to outdoor venues. The first performance has been announced for June 14.
Today, Progressive Diagnostics opened a “same day” public testing site at the Saugatuck Railroad Station Parking Lot 8, adjacent to Exit 17 on Saugatuck Avenue. Services are available Mondays-Fridays 8am – 4pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.
The plans for town-wide re-opening and the opportunity for Westporters to “return to normal” are encouraging, but we should be cautiously optimistic. According to the CT Department of Public Health, 122 municipalities out of 169 (including Westport) remain in the highest COVID alert level (red). This designation is cause for concern, although more recent daily statistics indicate a downward curve in the spread.
It is also important to understand and recognize that being vaccinated does not prevent individuals from being COVID positive and transmitting the virus. Please continue to remain informed and balance COVID safety with personal priorities for physical and mental wellbeing. This includes being empathetic to those around you and the individual choices they make. I encourage those who are vaccinated to be mindful and respectful of those who are not or have differing opinions about the current guidelines and status of the pandemic. Westport town officials will continue to follow and employ the science experts’ advice and guidance so that all in our community will be safe and healthy.
Westport Hazardous Waste Day Set for April 24th
Press ReleaseThe Westport Public Works Department announced today that the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will be Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9am – 2pm at the Greens Farm Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road (between I-95 and the Metro-North Railroad tracks) in Westport. NOTE: New date and location.
Designed to provide a safe option to keep household hazardous wastes out of the municipal solid waste stream and protect land and water from potential contamination, Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Wilton, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford & Greenwich.
A general outline of household areas and the typical chemicals that may be found in homes:
Garage: paints, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, etc.
Garden shed: fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.
General household: bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies & paints, etc.
The following items are NOT acceptable: PROPANE TANKS, AMMUNITION, FLARES, EXPLOSIVES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.
Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site:
Make sure items are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become not be recyclable.
Keep products in original labeled container.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with newspaper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.
Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.
Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.
Antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and electronics can also be recycled at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.
COVID protocols will be in place this year, including:
Residents must place ALL Household Hazardous Waste in the trunk or rear of their vehicles.
Residents are asked to remain in their vehicle at all times.
Only fuel containers will be returned to residents.
Residents are asked to have patience. Lines may be longer than usual.
Those with additional questions may contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793 or reference the webpage https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/public-works-department/household-hazardous-waste.
First Selectman Jim Marpe Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election: “every organization benefits from regular changes in senior leadership”
Press ReleaseFirst Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that he will not pursue re-election for a third term in the upcoming November municipal general election.
Mr. Marpe said, “It has been an honor to serve my community as its Chief Elected Official for the past seven years, and I deeply appreciate the bi-partisan support and encouragement I have received throughout that time. While the Westport Town Charter does not place term limits on our elected officials, my experience in the private sector taught me that every organization benefits from regular changes in senior leadership. I am proud of what my administration has accomplished or set in motion, including our responses to COVID-19, fiscal responsibility, physical improvements, and addressing social justice concerns. We have prioritized the delivery of superior services at a predictable cost to the taxpayer. As such, I am very proud that we kept the mill rate stable throughout my entire term in office.
I also know that the real key to our success as a community is the professionalism and commitment to serving our residents that is exhibited every day by the women and men who are employed by the Town and the Westport Public Schools. It is also the result of the remarkable dedication and creativity of our dozens of citizen volunteers and elected officials. I am so fortunate to have led a team of employees and residents that is the envy of my counterparts in other communities.
During the remaining seven months of my term, I will continue to focus on leading Westport safely out of the pandemic tunnel we have been in for the past year, as well as achieving or launching the initiatives that I have described in various budget and State of the Town presentations. When I first ran for election to the Selectman’s Office, I committed to bringing a citizen-centric, professional management style to my responsibilities, and I assure you that will continue into November.
I want to thank the voters of Westport for allowing me the opportunity to have the special privilege of serving them in the First Selectman’s Office. I remain humbled by, and grateful for, the responsibility you have granted me.”
Selectman: "Please remind your children to wear masks”; Update on COVID-19 in Westport
Press ReleaseFirst Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following update today:
Beginning today, all Connecticut residents and workers aged 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. For local vaccine scheduling instructions and locations, go to www.wwhd.org.
Health officials are urging all who are able and eligible to register to get vaccinated. Those requiring special services and assistance involving homebound vaccinations or transportation to vaccination appointments through Westport Transit may contact the Westport Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050. Fortunately, many of the most vulnerable in Westport are already vaccinated. They are enjoying the peace of mind and realization that they are doing their part to help our community, neighbors, families, and friends move into a spring and summer with less fear of infection from this horrible virus. Although numerous people have been vaccinated, it is vital that COVID protocols remain in place until we are certain that transmission is decreasing.
Currently, there is a surge in COVID-19 cases in Connecticut, and Westport remains in the red category with 28.5 positive cases per 100,000 population. We are seeing the effects of more social gatherings, travel, and a relaxation of COVID protocols. Travel increases the chance of getting and transmitting COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you refrain from non-essential travel and follow the travel guidelines, The CDC also recommends continuing to follow its COVID guidelines and protocols, specifically mask wearing, social distancing, and good hygiene, even as restrictions are loosened and the vaccine is further administered. Please ensure that masks are properly discarded in wastebaskets and do not become litter on our roads, open spaces, or bodies of water.
Much of the uptick in cases is occurring in younger residents and those in their 20’s and 30’s. We are aware that there have been several reports of large teen and youth groups gathering at Compo Beach without masks. Parents, please remind your children to wear masks when they cannot socially distance, even at the beach and other outdoor locations.
The Governor’s Executive Orders declaring a state-of-emergency have been extended to May 20, 2020. That means that various COVID protocols and restrictions remain in place unless noted otherwise. The State will also allow the extension of the relaxed restrictions on outdoor dining at restaurants. In a related action, at its March meeting, the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission again adopted flexible zoning regulations that extend opportunities for outdoor dining, and the use of outdoor studios by local gyms and fitness centers.
The Town continues to work towards reopening more amenities and activities with the optimism that Westport will return to the yellow or grey status on the State’s color-coded COVID map, and that more people will be fully vaccinated. These include:
The Center for Senior Activities and Toquet Hall are planning for the possibility of outdoor and limited indoor programming in late spring or early summer.
The Parks & Recreation Department and Selectman’s Office continue to plan for a Memorial Day parade.
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently preparing to open its facilities and is planning to offer programs that were not available last year due to COVID-19. It will strive to create safe environments for all facility users and program participants by following best practices and state guidelines.
The Parks & Recreation Department has announced that Longshore Golf Course is open for play, as are several tennis locations, Compo Beach pickleball courts, the Skate Park facility, Platform Tennis, Compo Basketball courts, and playgrounds.
The Board of Selectmen approved the Downtown Merchants Association’s Fitness and Health Expo scheduled for May 1 (rain date May 2) and the Fine Arts Festival scheduled for May 29-30.
The Board of Selectmen approved the closure of Church Lane commencing April 15 to allow for expanded outdoor dining.
The Board of Selectmen approved the use of the Imperial Avenue Lot for the Remarkable Theater’s Drive-In Movie Theater and for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library’s Supper and Soul events.
The Levitt Pavilion is planning its season, to be held in compliance with any necessary COVID considerations related to outdoor venues.
Westport is approaching the end of the Passover week, as well as the upcoming Easter weekend, both of which are important symbols of renewal and new beginnings that we associate with the arrival of spring. I wish all who observe these important holidays the joy that is associated with those celebrations. And to all Westport residents, I ask for a renewed commitment to working through the COVID pandemic together in a safe and responsible manner. In doing so, we can all enjoy the pleasures of our community that come with the spring and summer months.