First Selectman: No Compo Beach Fireworks this Independence Day

Press Release, First Selectman Jim Marpe

 Town of Westport officials, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees of the Westport Police Athletic League (PAL), have decided not to hold the annual Compo Beach Independence Day fireworks this year. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current and expected guidance from the State’s Department of Health (DPH) regarding large-scale events, and the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and its variants have been considered. Based on this information, it is in the best interest of residents, visitors, employees, and the organizers to forego this highly attended event this year.  

Although mask wearing rules are being relaxed and we are headed toward widespread vaccination, the CDC and other health and government officials continue to recommend social distancing in large gatherings of any kind for the foreseeable future. Westport Weston Health District Director Mark Cooper stated, “The CDC recommends that everyone, fully vaccinated or not, should social distance and continue wearing masks in crowded settings and outdoor venues like concerts and sporting events where you will be around large groups of strangers. In most outdoor scenarios, the transmission risk is low. However, when outside in places where you are likely to be with many people from outside your household, people must maintain social distancing and should still wear face coverings.” 

As a practical matter, there is no way to enforce social distancing and mask wearing in the crowded environment of the Compo Beach fireworks event. It is inadvisable to plan for an event like the Town’s annual fireworks display where thousands of people congregate in close proximity and cannot socially distance. The possibility of alternative sites was considered, but all of them created even greater concerns regarding accessibility, safety and logistics.

Unfortunately, there is no luxury of taking a “wait and see” approach to determine where the community is in its COVID recovery efforts come July. The logistics and the need for early planning, permitting, and funding, as well as arranging for the display itself, requires significant lead time. PAL is the longtime sponsor of this annual event, and, although the Town is very much involved in planning and conducting, it is not Town funded. The decision as to whether to hold this major, large-scale event needed to be made now, based on the information available at this time, and in coordination with all the organizers.

Mr. Marpe stated, “I am disappointed that this year Westport could not hold the large celebration we had hoped for. But our town has come too far in our successful battle to overcome COVID to risk a possible setback by conducting a major gathering prematurely. I am happy that this year’s July 4th holiday still offers an opportunity to celebrate safely with smaller groups of families, friends, and neighbors.” 

“We have had tremendous support from so many individuals and town organizations throughout this past year. It took a community-wide effort to manage this devastating health crisis. We have not yet completed the race, but we are closer to the finish line, and nearing a return to normalcy. I am confident that next year’s celebration at Compo Beach will be the most memorable one in many years.”

First Selectman: Beach Passes Begin Tomorrow, Eversource in Hot Water over Poor Storm Isaias Response

Press Release

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals.  Included in the guidance is that fully vaccinated individuals may forego the use of a mask when outdoors, or when in the company of other fully vaccinated individuals. Among other provisions, the use of a mask, and social distancing is still required when in a crowded outdoor setting or when indoors with others who are not vaccinated. The full guidance can be found here.

Last week, we shared Governor Lamont’s announcement to ease the COVID restrictions in the State of CT.  Effective tomorrow, May 1, 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.

As a reminder, as of May 1, 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.

Effective Wednesday, May 19, all remaining State gathering restrictions will be lifted, except, masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible. We encourage those who are fully vaccinated to follow the CDC guidance for mask wearing and social distancing in crowded outdoor settings.  The State revisions are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated. Additional clarification is still forthcoming.

In our last several messages, we outlined the various town entities and departments that are making efforts to return to normalcy by planning outdoor events and activities this spring and summer.  We continue to encourage and support outdoor activities that can be conducted with caution and sensitivity for all.  As we reintroduce these types of gatherings, our priority is to maintain the health and safety of residents and employees. 

Plans continue for holding the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31, 2021. Organizers will be asking parade participants and observers to create a socially distanced and safe parade by taking into consideration the current conditions and advice from the CDC relative to outdoor gatherings. With hopes for good weather, we are looking forward to this wonderful Westport tradition that honors veterans and service members.  We encourage all who attend to wear a mask in crowded areas and to social distance. 

We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  Walkup clinics that do not require an appointment can be found here.

For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit the Westport Weston Health District website.

PURA Final Decision

On Wednesday, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) released its Final Decision on its investigation into Electric Distribution companies’ Preparation for and Response to Tropical Storm Isaias.  As it relates to Eversource, PURA concluded that:

“Eversource did not satisfy the performance standards for managing its municipal liaison program, executing its Make Safe responsibilities, communicating critical information to its customers, or meeting its obligation to secure adequate resources in a timely manner.” 

As a result, PURA will consider fines and penalties against Eversource and will require a reduction in ratemaking return on equity for Eversource.

I provided lengthy testimony related to PURA’s investigation on behalf of the many residents who reached out to Town Hall and Town officials in search of support and assistance during the aftermath of Storm Isaias.  I am pleased that PURA heard the evidence and is taking significant action to ensure customers receive better service from utility providers during emergency situations.  PURA’s full final decision can be found here.  For more information on the Town of Westport’s response and follow up on Storm Isaias, please click here.

First Selectman’s Update: More Activities Planned as Summer Begins in Westport

Press Release

Westport, 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 Release

 The 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.