Masking Returns to Town Buildings, Library: “The public should expect that many businesses and restaurants will return to requiring masks”
Town of Westport Press ReleaseDue to the increasing spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, new guidance on mask-wearing for both vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (CT DPH). The Delta variant is highly contagious, and cases are growing globally as well as locally.
As a result, Town Officials have implemented the following safety protocols at Town Hall, the Westport Library and other town facilities effective tomorrow, Thursday, August 5, 2021:
Staff, visitors and patrons of all town buildings including the Library will be required to wear a mask regardless of individual vaccination status.
Walk-ins will continue to be allowed in Town Hall. Town Hall Staff are required to check their temperature upon entering work for the day. Visitors must follow contact tracing, mask requirements, temperature checks and other safety protocols upon entering. As an alternative, it is recommended that the public consider the town’s online services or other options for in-person meetings. Town Hall meetings can also be held outside at the picnic table in the rear of the building or in the lobby.
Town and Library employees will return to weekly testing for COVID for their safety and for the safety of any visitors.
First Responders will return to COVID protocols by wearing masks when interacting with the public indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
The public should expect that many businesses and restaurants will return to requiring masks regardless of vaccination status. Although that decision is currently at the discretion of the establishments.
There remain a number of factors about the transmission of the Delta variant that are uncertain. Westporters are urged to remain vigilant and informed as the Delta variant continues to spread and impact even those who are fully vaccinated.
Those who are eligible and who have not done so already are encouraged to get vaccinated. Please discuss any concerns about the vaccine with your health care provider.
Dirt Road Returns to Wakeman Farm while Bedford Paving Continues
The dust of the dirt road returned to the former Wakeman farms property as paving continues throughout the Wakefield Field driveway and Bedford Middle School complex. The paving is part of a multi-complex paving project this summer, which includes Coleytown Elementary School, Greens Farms Elementary School, and a portion of Long Lots Elementary School.
Three Yeas for “Coach Paul Lane Field” at Staples; Board of Selectmen Approve and Move Item to RTM
During their Board of Selectmen meeting this morning, First Selectman Jim Marpe, Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Third Selectwoman Melissa Kane approved the name “Coach Paul Lane Field” for Staples High School’s football field. The decision now passes to the RTM, who will ultimately be responsible for the final “yea” or “nay”. Lane lead Staples High School to many hard-fought victories during a three decade span as coach and physical education educator, in addition to serving as a mentor to generations of Westporters. The naming comes as bittersweet to the community, as “Coach” passed away last week at the age of 93. Staples Wreckers Gridiron Club officer Jim Adrian spoke at today’s meeting in support of the naming of the field, saying that Lane had a positive affect on all of Westport - and that Lane knew the renaming was a possibility - as over one thousand supporters signed an online petition to push the agenda item. Selectwoman Melissa Kane added “his reputation and his style has stood the test of time for Westporters.”
Saturday Announced as jUNe Day as 100 Guests Explore Westport
Town of Westport Press ReleaseThe annual jUNe Day celebration will take place on Saturday, June 26 in Westport, when the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNA-SW-CT) and the Town of Westport will host approximately 100 guests from the United Nations. In honor of the day, the flags of many of the 193 member countries of the United Nations will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge this weekend.
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony to be held outdoors on Jesup Green at 10:30 a.m. and welcome the international guests. First Selectman Jim Marpe and UNA President Bill Hass will welcome the guests, and jUNe Day Chairperson Michaela MacColl will outline the Day’s activities.
This year’s United Nations guest of honor is Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Operational Support, who will offer brief remarks and read a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The annual jUNe Day celebration was established in 1965 by the late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, the founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN charter on June 26, 1945. Her goal was to honor the work of the United Nations and promote world peace and international understanding through hospitality.
On jUNe Day, United Nations staff and representatives from Governments around the world and their families will participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. Due to the pandemic, there has been a reduction in the number of options previously available to our guests. However, they will have access to Compo Beach and the town pools at Longshore Park, tennis, golf at the Longshore Golf Course, and a nature walk and visit to Earthplace. Guests are also encouraged to visit the sidewalk sale on Main Street near Jesup Green and consider having lunch at any one of Westport’s restaurants.
To volunteer, please contact Ms. Andrea Dostal at 203-526-3275 or Andreasusa@yahoo.com. For more information, please contact Bill Hass at (203) 454-7685.
First Selectman: “I know we will come together to support those who need to begin the healing process.”
Westport First Selectman Press ReleaseWestport First Selectman Jim Marpe made the following statement today:
The community is dealing with an awful tragedy. Since this terrible event is still under investigation, I cannot comment on the details. My prayers and condolences are with the family.
Police, First Responders, public school personnel and students have been directly impacted by this devastating event. The entire community shares in their grief and sadness. Westport is a caring community and I know we will come together to support those who need to begin the healing process.
Westport Property Transfers: 05/24/21 - 05/28/21
Westport Property Transfers: 05/24/21 -05/28/21Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $85,620
Total Sales: $38,497,999
Highest Transfer Price: 29 Owenoke Park (50% interest): $3,800,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 38 Strathmore Lane - Norwalk Taxes: $450,000
Transfers:
29 Owenoke Park (50% interest): $3,800,000
29 Owenoke Park (50% interest): $3,800,000
14 Fairfield Avenue: $2,350,000
6 Mayfair Lane: $2,100,000
15 Hillandale Road: $1,969,000
17 April Drive: $1,820,000
189 Cross Highway: $1,800,000
7 Wakenor Road: $1,799,999
23 Harborview Road: $1,690,000
16 Sunrise Road: $1,659,000
6 Marilane Road: $1,582,000
209 Hillspoint Road: $1,449,000
7 Tower Ridge: $1,467,500
5 Daybreak Commons: $1,280,000
468 Post Road East: $1,250,000
6 Bushy Ridge Road: $1,199,000
9 Bonnie Brook Road: $1,190,000
375 Post Road West: $1,125,000
18 Treadwell Avenue: $998,000
132 Regents Park: $950,000
30 Terra Nova Circle: $949,000
210 Lansdowne: $680,500
230 Saugatuck Avenue, Unit 12: $650,000
4 Rocky Ridge Road: $490,000
38 Strathmore Lane - Norwalk Taxes: $450,000
RTM Votes “No”: P&Z Decision Remains, Hiawatha Lane Project Trudges Onwards
Westport RTM Moderator Velma Heller counts the final vote for agenda item #2 via Zoom. The Westport Representative Town Meeting voted tonight to uphold the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision to create a new zoning district boundary, paving the way for the 157 unit Hiawatha Lane housing development. If the decision was overturned, the project would have been left to the Connecticut court system to rule on, with a settlement no longer in play. The meeting also approved the spending of $1.47 million to replace a portion of the Saugatuck Elementary School roof this summer, while all of the police and fire department officials who listened to the meeting until it’s adjournment at 11:40 PM were told they had to wait longer to hear their agenda item, as it was tabled for a later meeting date.
Overturning the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Decision
The agenda item was added after more than 20 Westport Town Electors petitioned the RTM to add the item to their meeting, with hope that RTM representatives would vote to overturn the commission’s May 13th decision - stopping the town’s acceptance of the project.
Although the town may not want the multi-story building in the residential neighborhood, the decision to allow Summit Saugatuck LLC to go forward with their plans to create the complex was backed by legal battles that surround the topic. Westport Town Attorney spoke to those battles, saying that although he usually doesn’t speak publicly, “I’ll be as candid as I can.”
Bloom described that if the decision was overturned and the case is ruled on by the courts, that Westport would may not have enough burden of proof to prove why the complex couldn’t be built. If Westport were to lose the case, it would open up a large space for not only the Hiawatha project, but also other projects throughout the town. Cases like Westport’s are being fought around the State, Bloom said, continuing to say that “70-75% of those cases are lost because the burdens are quite high.”
“We do not have a high probability of prevailing” Bloom continued. “It’s preferable for the town to control its own destiny.” Right now with a settlement, the town is able to work with developers to help shape the project as much as they can to better serve residents - such as demanding they add 3 bedroom housing options, as well as cosmetic features to beautify the area, and having them foot the bill to repair an old drainage culvert.
The settlement also leaves an 8-30g housing moratorium hanging in the balance, according to the Connecticut Department of Housing. The DoH told the Town of Westport that they are tentatively willing to continue a current moratorium on 8-30g housing if the Town and Summit Saugatuck LLC are able to settle the dispute, however if not, they are “not able to guarantee that they will uphold the moratorium.” The current moratorium is at risk of being rescinded by the DoH due to a loss of records at the State’s office, which would allow more 8-30g projects to enter the community instead of the several year postponement.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Danielle Dobin echoed Bloom’s sentiments, explaining why the Commision made the choice to accept the project to better protect Westport in the future. Dobin warned members that if they voted yes to overturn the commission’s decision, that they could potentially be allowing not only 157 units, but 187 units on Hiawatha Lane as the Town will no longer have any say. In addition to that, it could be leading the way for developers to apply for sewer extensions into parts of town not currently able to be heavily developed due to the current sewer or septic systems in place, such as Greens Farms or Coleytown communities. “The developer is holding all of the cards” she said. “Westport failed to build affordable housing that counts towards 8-30g since 1989”.
8-30g is a State chapter that allows housing developers to bypass town building codes if their housing development is at least 30% affordable housing, and the Town does not have at least 10% of its housing stock approved as affordable already.
Former Planning & Zoning commission chair Cathy Walsh responded to current Chair Dobin’s statement, saying “The neighbors know the risk of getting the extra units, they’re willing to go the whole nine yards to fight this.” Walsh served on the commission for 13 years, resigning from her spot in April.
A group of Hiawatha Lane neighbors spoke up and fought back during the meeting. The lead petitioner, Gloria Gouveia, asked if the judge had ever visited the site, and wondered why the Westport Fire Marshal’s fears were not being heard loud enough by the Planning and Zoning Commission - citing his worry over the complex only having one entry/exit point for vehicles and fire apparatus in case of emergencies. Gerald Romano gave the example of someone needing an ambulance or a fire engine response to the area, “what if they can’t get through the traffic?” Carolanne Curry, a longtime Westporter, told the RTM that Westport did not fail - because they’ve been fighting this battle over Hiawatha for 18 years. “We are the have-nots. We realize it.” she said. “This neighborhood is the history of Westport.”
RTM members shared their thoughts, ranging from sentiments of thanks to P&Z commission members to a shared statement between RTM representatives Kristin Purcell (District 1) and Chris Tait (District 1): “this sucks.” Tait continued to say “we failed the residents of Saugatuck.”
Summit Saugatuck LLC’s attorney Timothy Hollister told the RTM meeting that they were going against their own Town charter by interfering with court proceedings by way of holding the vote, also adding in that grievances such as traffic congestion are not factored into the decision to allow the project or not. Town Attorney Ira Bloom rebutted Hollister’s feeling that the meeting interfered with the court hearing and went against Town charter, saying “I do not agree with his analysis at all.” He later confirmed Hollister’s statement that items such as traffic congestion cannot be figured in, while matters of safety can be factored into a decision.
In the end, the final vote carried in the negative: keep the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision as it is.
Final RTM Vote:
“To take such action as the meeting may determine, at the request of at least 20 electors of the Town of Westport, pursuant to Town Charter C5-1F and C10-4, to review and reject the Planning and Zoning Commission decision issued on May 13, 2021, in adopting a new zoning district boundary: SV District as seen on “Proposed Zoning Map - SH Z2, entitled: The Village at Saugatuck, Hiawatha Lane, Town of Westport, CT for Summit Saugatuck LLC,” dated May 10, 2021.”
Yea Votes - overturn the P&Z Commission amendment:
2 (Lou Mall, Carla Rea)
Nay Votes - oppose the overturning of the P&Z Commission amendment:
30 Members
Abstentions:
1 (Arline Gertzoff)
Recused:
1 (Matt Mandell )
Antisemitism Not Welcome in Westport
Nearly 200 people came out to rally against antisemitism on Jesup Green this evening. First Selectman Jim Marpe described Westport’s love for all of its residents, stating that antisemitism is not welcome in Westport.
First Selectman’s Memorial Day Address: “As we emerge from the darkness of the COVID tunnel, it is vital to re-establish our traditions”
First Selectman Jim Marpe gives his address to the crowd in honor of Memorial Day on Veteran’s Green. Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe’s 2021 Memorial Day Address
Thank you to Westport’s “Mr. Parade,” Bill Vornkahl, for helping to organize our Memorial Day Parade once again this year.
Reverend Sinclair, Representatives of VFW Post 399 and American Legion Post 69, Grand Marshal Nick Rossi, and to all of you gathered today. It is my honor to welcome you to our traditional Memorial Day ceremony to remember and honor those who have sacrificed to serve our country. We are very grateful to come together again.
Last year I stood here with just twenty people, including Bill Vornkahl and the leadership of our First Responders, to make sure our tradition was never broken. It wasn’t what we wanted or were used to, but I am glad to say that we continued the Memorial Day remembrance on Veterans Green.
As we emerge from the darkness of the COVID tunnel, it is vital to re-establish our traditions and make sure that as a community we remember those who fought and died for the freedoms we hold dear.
In Westport, the struggle against COVID appears to be in the final weeks, but we remain vigilant. We understand and respect the need to safeguard our own health as well as the health of others. That vigilance is the essence of who we are as a people and what we celebrate and honor today. While the circumstances are different, the vigilance we have borne as our responsibility is akin to the vigilance manifested by the men and women in the armed forces during our wars and conflicts.
WWII was the last war in which people at home were required to sacrifice so dramatically. Gas was rationed, food in short supply. For many, work changed to reflect the needs of war. COVID 19 represented a war in which we have all been challenged to change our lives dramatically. We were all called upon to sacrifice. Some of us were on the front line, caring for the sick, working in dangerous situations, enduring loneliness and separation from families, facing the unknown.
Historically, wherever we perceived enemies to threaten us we have rallied around the cause. Men and women from all walks of life stepped forward to battle threats to our country. COVID 19 was a shocking new threat, and in response, parts of government not historically in the forefront rushed to assist. Not just our usual first responders, to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude, but also our Health District and Human Services Department that reached out to those in our community in particularly grave need.
And we are proud of our children, who have had to change their lives because of COVID. They understand what sacrifice can mean. They have learned to behave in a way that is beneficial to the greater society- their school mates, their teachers, their friends and their families. That change was for us all, unforgettable. Death and illness were real fears, sacrifice and caution were daily watchwords. Remote learning, mask wearing, loss of sporting and performance events, teammates, traditional proms and for so many, the unforgettable pain of the loss of people and loved ones who died. In Westport, we lost 31 people to COVID, and many lost beloved family members who live elsewhere, some to whom they could not say “goodbye” or “I love you.”
The theme of our parade today is honoring women’s veterans. That theme was set for last year’s parade and reinstated for this year. We want to emphasize the critical role women have played in the armed services, at times without the recognition they deserved. We also recognize the critical role women have played in the war against COVID 19, both in and out of the home. In addition to maintaining essential financial support, our mothers have had to keep families as safe as possible and establish a new routine while life was so uncertain.
Last year we intended to honor Patricia Roney Wettach as our Grand Marshal, who, unfortunately, has passed away, a victim of COVID 19. This year we honor Nick Rossi, a relative newcomer to Westport and an active member of our Senior Center, whose grandson, a Staples High School graduate, just sang the National Anthem. Nick, who is 99 years old, was a WWII flight engineer flying multiple missions and was shot at by enemy fire - a notable example of bravery under stress.
And now, as has been our tradition, I would like to make special mention of those military veterans who lived in Westport and who have passed away this past year, with apologies in advance for any we may have inadvertently omitted. Heroes all:
John R. Anastasia, Jr
Alan Meredith Beasley
Sam Brownstein
Charles Joseph French, Sr.
Charles James Kashetta, Sr.
Vincent D. Palumbo
Robert P. Scholl
P. Richard Schwaeber
Jack Shiller
Jules Spring
Gary W. Vannart
Theodore Robert Voss
Patricia Roney Wettach
Kenneth Ray Wolfe, Jr.
I would be remiss if I did not honor others in our community who passed away this year, who, while not veterans, were civil servants and played a significant role in making Westport the great town that it is. These include former First Selectmen Gordon Joseloff and John Kemish, Martha Aasen, former Deputy Police Chief Vinnie Penna, and longtime VFW Auxiliary member Nancy Coley. Like our great veterans, we honor and recognize their special contributions.
Today, we see a reduced presence of all that is traditional for this day, but we are still aware of the lessons learned and the sacrifices we have made. It is a proud day for Westport. I urge you to celebrate this day as one we have looked forward to for a long time – the beginning of the end of the long COVID struggle.
God bless you; God bless Westport and God bless the United States of America.
Thank you.
First Selectman Gives Clarification on Masking Ahead of Holiday Weekend
Press Release, First Selectman Jim MarpeFirst Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following statement today:
We are aware that there has been some confusion around the mask wearing protocols since both the guidance and regulations on mask wearing and social distancing have recently changed. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state or local laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
According to the CT Department of Public Health (CT DPH), masks are no longer required outdoors. Those who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask in indoor settings. However, some businesses, state and local government offices, and certain events and event venues, still require universal masking. Masks will still be required in healthcare facilities, facilities serving vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and childcare facilities. Those who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors when unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
Masks continue to be required for all visitors of Town Hall, indoor town facilities and the Westport Library. We also suggest wearing a mask when in crowded conditions - even outdoors.
Business owners and event operators should consider requiring customers to wear a mask when they are inside an establishment or at a large indoor event or private gathering if the space is not designed for continuous social distancing. If not specifically required, these establishments should consider posting signage indicating that unvaccinated customers must wear a mask and any customer is invited to wear a mask if they are more comfortable doing so.
We are encouraged by the results of the vaccine distribution and the dramatic slowing of the spread experienced in the state, and particularly in Westport. This weekend, we are hoping for good weather for at least part of the time and to be able to conduct the parade as planned. In addition to attending the parade, I hope that you will visit Downtown on Saturday and Sunday for the Westport Fine Arts Festival, sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend as we continue to emerge from COVID and begin resuming activities in a manner that we were accustomed to prior to the pandemic.