Conservation Department Reminds Residents of Wetland Regulations
The Conservation Department reminds residents and contractors doing work in Westport that they should “call before they dig” if their property has or is adjacent to wetlands, a watercourse and/or a pond. If there is any uncertainty as to whether the property contains wetlands, contact the Conservation Department at 203-341-1170.
Conservation Director Alicia Mozian stated, “In the last year in particular, there has been an increase in the number of violations resulting in unpermitted building, cutting, clearing and filling of wetlands. These violations result in a variety of consequences including but not limited to the owner having to cease work, make appearances at public meetings, payment of a fine, submission of plans, posting of bonds to correct violations and placement of the violation on the town’s land records. It is very important that homeowners and/or contractors contact the Conservation Department before work starts to determine what permits are required.”
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Attic Fire on Red Coat Road Requires Multi-Department Response
Westport Fire Department:
On March 28, 2022, at approximately 5:00 pm, the Westport Fire Department was requested to respond to a report of a house fire. The caller reported seeing flames coming from the ceiling. Westport Fire responded with four engines, a ladder truck, and a command vehicle.
Surrounding towns were requested to provide coverage as well as respond to the scene to augment staffing and water supply. On arrival, a moderate smoke condition was seen coming from the attic and roof vents. Firefighters made access to the attic and found heavy smoke and moderate fire conditions. Additional firefighters were requested to the scene from area departments due to the anticipated fire spread.
Firefighters were able to quickly deploy hoselines and extinguish the fire prior to those additional units arriving. There were no civilian casualties and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office.
Westport Artists Collective Art Show Closing Reception at the Westport Playhouse
Michael Brennecke speaks about art in front of the work of fellow Collective member Norm Siegel.The Artists Collective of Westport held their closing reception on Saturday at the Playhouse. Ten of the twelve artists exhibiting in this show spoke to visitors about art generally and how they approach their work their work.
The Collective is a non-profit organization established to support its local artists members through monthly meetings, exhibits and art-related activities. In partnership with the Westport Playhouse, they present 4 “Popup” exhibits a years featuring 12 to 15 of their 150 members in each one.
This latest exhibit featured the work of Tom Berntsen, Michael Brennecke, Bevi Bullwinke, Leonor Dao, Hernan Garcia, Katheryn Gray, Carmela Kaufman, Karen Kent, Sandra Meagher, Guy Philips, Norm Siegel and Ginny Waters.
To learn more or to get on our mailing list and get news about upcoming shows, go to www.artistscollectiveofwestport.org
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Papa Osprey Has Returned And Is Waiting For His Mate To Arrive
The male Oprey has returned to the family nest at Terrain on the Post Rd.
The famed "Terrain Osprey" family that delights Westporters each year is again working on the nest, waiting for his mate to arrive and make some construction and decor changes no doubt (this is Westport after all) in preparation for what we hope will be another fine family a few months from now. According to the website Days At Dunrovin, Osprey are most often monogamous and tend to return to the same nest year after year. Usually the male arrives first followed by his mate a few weeks later both the male and female osprey update the nest with the latest and greatest materials. The lining of the nest is typically made of softer material, like grasses or seaweed. In addition to natural materials, ospreys have been known to use a variety of man-made materials in their nests. People have reported seeing plastic bags, flip flops, netting, sod, and other materials.
Osprey nests are large and quite conspicuous. Twigs and large sticks make up the majority of an osprey nest. Often, smaller bird species such as starlings or house sparrows live in the underside of the nest. Osprey nests can be up to five feet in diameter and two to seven feet thick. In addition, osprey nests can weigh well over 300 pound
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com