Fire Marshal Warns against using Illegal Fuel Containers while Stockpiling Gasoline

Westport Fire Marshal Nate Gibbons:

“Four bucks a gallon, five, six… none of us know when this will end. But when faced with the stunning jump in fuel costs, a few residents have resorted to gasoline hoarding. People are taking any and every container to the pump and filling it up”, said Fire Marshal Gibbons.

Fuels like gasoline and diesel are flammable. The cans to store small fuel quantities are metal or special red plastic, have safety nozzles, and can be effectively sealed against leaking vapors, which can ignite if they find a source of ignition. “You’ve seen them around and probably have one or two in your garage. It’s what they are designed for, safe storage of flammable liquids”, reiterated Gibbons.

The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to only put fuel in rated, fuel containers. If you need to stockpile fuel, invest in the correct gas storage containers. Store fuel outside your living area, and never in a basement. Transfer fuel using safety nozzles that shut off automatically in the event of a slip or a drop. Always use funnels to minimize the risk of a spill.

The State has laws against using unsafe containers. 

If you have any questions, please call the Fire Marshal at: 203-341-5020.

Temple Israel Hosts Affordable Housing Conversation

Temple Israel:

You’re invited to help shape and draft a plan for our town’s future. Senior Rabbi Michael S. Friedman and interfaith clergy colleagues will moderate an evening of community conversation and brainstorming hosted by Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission, featuring Danielle Dobin, Chair of Planning & Zoning Commission and Mary Young, Director of Planning and Zoning. This event will be an introduction to planning for affordability and an opportunity for public feedback on how to diversify housing in a way that works for Westport.

• Wednesday, Mar 23 | 7:30p

• Temple Israel of Westport

• 14 Coleytown Road

Town Seeks Bids for Sewer Contract for Whitney Street Area Extension

The Town of Westport is seeking proposals for Sanitary Sewer Contract #73 for sewer extensions for Whitney Street, Roseville Road, Fernwood road, Plumtree Lane, Pamela Place and Ledgemoor Lane.

Bids will be received by the Town of Westport until 11 am Thursday, April 7, 2022 at the Westport Town Hall Finance Office Room 313, 110 Myrtle Avenue Westport, CT 06880. No bids will be received or accepted after said hour. Copies of the bid documents may be obtained by downloading from the Town’s website. 

Due to COVID-19 protocols, responses will be opened the next business day via a ZOOM meeting. Interested parties may apply for the ZOOM meeting access by emailing Rich Kotchko at rkotchko@westportct.gov.

The Town of Westport reserves the right to waive any defects and informality in the bidding or in any bid, to reject any or all bids for any reason whatsoever and to accept that bid deemed to be in the best interest of the Town of Westport.

Fourth and Final Suspect Arrested after Critically Injuring Westport Woman during Car Theft

Westport Police Department:

On the morning of Friday, March 11, 2022, a fourth suspect was apprehended in relation to this incident.  This arrest was the product of a collaborative effort between the Westport Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department and the New Haven Office of the United States Marshals Service.   Taken into custody was Tayvion Hart, age 18, of New Haven, Connecticut.  Based on the details learned through the course of this investigation, it is alleged that Hart was the operator of the white Hyundai that was stolen on the evening of Saturday March 5, 2022.

Hart currently has an outstanding unrelated warrant for his arrest prepared by the New Haven Police Department and will be processed on those charges first.  Ultimately, he will be turned over to and charged by the Westport Police Department for Robbery in the First Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree on an Elderly Person, Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the First Degree on an Elderly Person, Larceny in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the First Degree.  His bond for these charges was court set at $250,000.00.

Although no additional arrests are anticipated, this case nevertheless continues to be an active investigation by the Westport Police Department.  

From the time of the initial incident and to date, multiple law enforcement agencies played critical supporting roles in this investigation.  With that, Chief Koskinas wished to once again thank all of those that helped bring closure to this case, but also wished to take the opportunity to remind the community to be vigilant.  Chief Koskinas stated, “What initially began as individuals targeting unlocked vehicles in the overnight hours has evolved into the theft of unattended vehicles at all times of day and night, in some cases by way of force.  We ask that you please remember to always lock your vehicle and take your keys with you, no matter what the circumstances.”

Click here to read the original release from Saturday’s car theft.