Police Warn Against Removing Political Signs
Westport Police DepartmentWith the approaching November elections we are beginning to see the posting of political signage expressing support for various candidates. In previous years, the Westport Police Department has investigated complaints related to the disappearance, removal and/or theft of these types of signs.
Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property. The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens. The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft. Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in an arrest.
The following policy has been established by Westport Town Officials in order to provide coordination for the placement of temporary signs by Westport non-profit organizations wishing to advertise one-time-only charitable events. Signs placed on public property advertising a private business or company will be removed.
General Guidelines for ALL Temporary Signs
Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way.
The Town may not approve, nor is it responsible for, any signs erected on State of Connecticut property. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, nor on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the State may remove them.
No sign may be placed on any school property without the prior permission of the Superintendent’s Office.
No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore Club Park.
No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
Signs on private property require property owner approval. Signs on private property shall not extend beyond the property line or into the Town right-of-way and is suggested they be removed within 2 days after the publicized event or election.
Temporary Signs for Advertising Charitable Events
The placement and locations of temporary signs on Town property for the purpose of advertising a charitable event requires review and approval by the Westport Police Chief, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Director of Parks & Recreation, or their designated representatives. The temporary sign policy as well as the application can be found at westportct.gov under “selectman’s office forms.”
Temporary Signs for Political Purposes
Political signs are considered an expression of free speech and are allowed on public property. The General Guidelines noted above apply to temporary signs for political purposes.
Please note that this Press Release pertains to Town of Westport roads, and not State Roads, like Route 1, Route 33, Route 57, and Route 136.
CT United Ride Will Process Through Westport Saturday; “Delays are to be expected - please be mindful of those we lost 20 years ago” Says Police
On Saturday September 11, 2021, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state. It is anticipated there will be a large turnout for the ride as the nation marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
The Selectman’s Office and Emergency Services have partnered with the CT United Ride to plan a new route that is as non-impactful as possible for an event of this size. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost 20 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.
The motorcade starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The procession will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer. It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears.
State Senator Will Haskell holds Town Hall In Ridgefield
State Senator Will Haskell of Westport whose district includes Ridgefield spoke at length last night at a town meeting hosted by the Ridgefield Library, along with Ridgefield State Representatives Aimee Berger-Girvalo and Kenneth Gucker. Topics of the presentation included the bi-partisan budget which for the first time in seventy-five years makes a payment of$63,000,000. toward Connecticut's unfunded pension liability, supporting healthcare providers, clean slate "second chance" legislation, COVID relief for small business, transportation improvements and more.
A lively Q&A session followed the presentation with questions from the audience of about fifty people. Areas of concern included Governor Lamont's executive order authority as it pertains to COVID response, the eviction moratorium, rising health insurance premiums. The panel responded to vaccine misinformation claims from several questioners including safety and effectiveness, and push back against testing and mask requirements by private businesses. National issues were also addressed included the issue of the Texas abortion ban.
Click on an image to enlarge. Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.