Town of Westport Public Meeting Schedule
Board of Selectwomen - REVISED: 9:00 AM
Westport Means Business - Panel Discussion: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
WestPAC: 7:00 PM
Planning and Zoning Announces Two Text Amendments Affecting Public Art, Outdoor Dining
Text Amendment #810
Deputy Planning and Zoning Director Michelle Perillie has announced that on March 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM, a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held to consider removing zoning obstacles to allow for more Public Art.
Click here to view the proposed text amendment
Text Amendment #810, authored on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission, proposes to create a new term for “Public Art” in §5-2, Definitions of the Zoning Regulations. The amendment also proposes modifying the existing “Structure” definition to exempt “Public Art” from Coverage requirements. This would enable property owners close to exceeding their allowable Footprint or Coverage to install Public Art without the need for a variance. Text Amendment #810 can be viewed online here.
Arts Advisory Committee Chair Nancy Diamond initiated the proposed modification in order to remove barriers to the installation of Public Art in Westport. She shared her frustration attending multiple public hearings last year and the ensuing delays this caused before a new art installation could be accepted for donation and displayed at the Westport Library for the public’s enjoyment.
The Explanatory Statement for Text Amendment #810 offers the following rationale:
“Public Art should be encouraged as it adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community.”
The March 14, 2022, public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may join the meeting virtually or call in to offer testimony during the meeting. To access the meeting links, view the meeting agenda online here.
Text Amendment #814
Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young has announced that on March 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM, a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held to consider permanent Outdoor Eating Area regulations for activities located on private property.
Click here to view the proposed text amendment
Text Amendment #814, authored on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission, available on-line here, proposes to modify the Outdoor Storage and Display regulations and modify the Outdoor Eating Area and related Zoning Regulations in response to Public Act 21-2, Sec. 182, effective April 1, 2022. The new Outdoor Eating Area requirements for Food Establishments adopted by the State legislators require implementation through adoption of local zoning regulations by the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission for activities occurring on private property. The Westport Board of Selectwomen will soon be addressing these same issues by amending their Pop-Up Café Policy for activities occurring on Town-owned property.
Under the new state legislation, the Planning and Zoning Commission retains discretion to determine how large an Outdoor Eating Area will be permitted, for what duration of time, and with what protections to maintain public safety. Health Code requirements related to available kitchen equipment and staffing will also control what level of occupancy can be supported. The State legislation mandates Outdoor Eating Areas may be located along sidewalks provided ADA requirements are met, within parking lots, and on abutting properties adjacent to where a Food Establishment is located and be exempt from minimum parking requirements.
Mary Young described, “Current Outdoor Activity approvals will soon expire, requiring new approvals to be secured based upon the new Zoning Regulations when adopted. The Planning and Zoning Commission looks forward to hearing from Food Establishment owners to help set reasonable standards allowing the Restaurant Renaissance in Westport to continue and provide safe and secure dining options for patrons under the ‘New-Normal’ conditions.”
The March 14, 2022, public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may join the meeting virtually or call in to offer testimony during the meeting. To access the meeting links, view the meeting agenda online here.
Gordon Ends State Senate Race, “now is not the right time”
From Michael Gordon, a former Westport Board of Education chairperson:Friends -
I’m writing to let you know that I will not be moving forward with the State Senate race. After diving in a few weeks ago, I’ve come to realize that I can’t juggle effectively the multiple demands of family, work and this campaign/the State Senate. The simple truth is that I thought I could do all of it at a high level, but I’ve learned that I can’t.
I was excited both to campaign and to serve, but I’m also clear that now is not the right time if I want to do the job well.
I want to thank our wonderful friends for their enormous outpouring of support, kindness and offers of help. I also want to thank the many kind and wise new friends I’ve made throughout the 26th District. I wish Ceci and Ken the best of luck, and I look forward to supporting our nominee this Fall.
Michael
Superintendent Provides Update on Wednesday Weather, COVID-19 Information
Greetings,
Just a few quick updates for our school community regarding an inclement weather forecast for tomorrow and the sunsetting of some Covid measures.
Inclement Weather Forecast for Wednesday: We are watching the weather for tomorrow. The forecast just received indicates that most of the snow, if it sticks to roads, will be late morning/early afternoon. We are having our sidewalks and driveways pretreated today and we are working with Westport public works to ensure that roads are treated. Given that the expectation is for snow to arrive in the late morning/early afternoon, at this point, we are planning on a normal arrival time unless the forecast changes. Although there is a chance there will be a slushy commute, public works should be able to keep up with the snowfall given the sun today and warm weather over the weekend. This should keep conditions reasonable for travel. There is a regional superintendents call with our consulting meteorologist between 4am-5am and we should have a definitive answer shortly after 5am. In the absence of delay or cancellation notification shortly after 5am, families should plan on a regular arrival time
Daily Covid Reports: As promised, we have committed to providing daily Covid case reports through Friday March 11. Given the low infection rates, the daily reports will end this Friday March 11. The district is still required to continue to report new cases to the State Department of Education.
End of Quarantine Tutoring: Beginning March 14, 2022 the Westport Public Schools will discontinue remote tutoring services for students in quarantine. Given the low number of students in quarantine and the decreased number of days students are required to be out of school, we are confident that student needs will be met by classroom teachers upon their return to school. Classroom teachers will continue to schedule times to check in with students while they are in quarantine. As outlined in the Westport Public Schools Parent/Guardian Handbook, students absent for less than two consecutive days will usually not be given special homework. When the absence extends beyond two days due to illness or extenuating family circumstances, homework will be provided if requested or necessary.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools