Month: February 2024

Westport Adopts Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Inclusionary Zoning Fee

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Westport, CT – The Town of Westport has announced that the collection of the Inclusionary Zoning Fee for the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) account will begin on February 23, 2024. Per the ordinance adopting the Affordable Housing Plan and establishing the AHTF, a formal Town committee to oversee the fund will be appointed over the next few months.

The adoption of the Affordable Housing Plan by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in July, 2023 called for the establishment of the AHTF and the method by which funds would be raised. At its December 2023 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, under the leadership of Chair Paul Lebowitz, adopted a Text Amendment to establish an Inclusionary Zoning Fee and recommended to the RTM a Fee Schedule of 0.5% of the construction costs of all projects for which Zoning Permit applications are filed. The Westport RTM adopted the Inclusionary Zoning Fee of $5 per $1000 of construction cost at its February 6 meeting. This fee has the potential to raise up to $1 million annually for the AHTF.

Westport joins neighboring communities New Canaan and Fairfield in having such a fund. It will give the Town the opportunity to buy property, adaptively reuse buildings, construct housing or potentially purchase market rate units in an effort to address the need for affordable housing in the community.

The effort, spearheaded by RTM members Matthew Mandell and Seth Braunstein, saw a near unanimous bipartisan vote by the RTM throughout the process. The actions of the RTM and the P&Z Commission followed the procedural steps necessary to enact this important piece of legislation.

First Selectwoman Tooker said, “I extend my thanks for the combined efforts of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the RTM in this achievement – realizing one of many goals listed in the 2022-2027 Westport Affordable Housing Plan.  Adopting the Affordable Housing Plan and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and codifying the inclusionary zoning fee is a proactive and locally controlled approach towards meeting the demand for affordable housing.”

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED FOLLOWING CHILD PORNINVESTIGATION


Following the initial arrest of Peter Wheeler, Jr. on January 23, 2024, the Fairfield Police Department continued its investigation into potential criminal activities involving Wheeler. During the course of this ongoing investigation, detectives uncovered information indicating the possible victimization of two juveniles.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that Wheeler had been in contact with a juvenile male high school student through electronic means. This communication, which included text messages, phone calls, and social media interactions, occurred between late 2022 and late 2023. While text and photographs were exchanged, contact between Wheeler and the juvenile had been severed prior to the start of this investigation. An arrest warrant was submitted seeking to charge Wheeler with Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21).

The investigation further revealed potential inappropriate contact between Wheeler and an elementary-school-aged female student. A forensic interview was conducted with the victim, leading detectives to submit an arrest warrant application seeking to charge Wheeler with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (C.G.S. 53a-73a) and Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21).

On February 20, 2024, both arrest warrants were reviewed and signed by a Bridgeport Superior Court judge. Peter Wheeler, Jr. (DOB 01/30/2000) of Fairfield, CT was subsequently arrested and charged with:

  • Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21) – 2 Counts
  • Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (C.G.S. 53a-73a) – 1 count

He is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on 2/21/2024 and is currently being held on a total of $350,000 in court-set bonds.

The Fairfield Police Department continues to actively collaborate with the Fairfield Public School system and has maintained continuous communication throughout the investigation. Parents and caregivers concerned about potential contact with Wheeler are urged to reach out to the Fairfield Police Investigative Division at (203) 254-4840.

The Fairfield Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our children. The recent developments have undoubtedly stirred profound emotions within our community. We understand the impact this may have on students and parents alike, and as such, we encourage students and parents to utilize the available resources within the schools and the broader community.

We are dedicated to thoroughly addressing any actions that pose a threat to our community, especially when involving individuals in positions of trust. Our collaboration with the Fairfield Public Schools is crucial, and we continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency throughout this investigation. The emotional impact on our community is forefront in our minds, and we stand united as community partners to support anyone in need during this difficult time.

Additionally, please know that the privacy of any victims is paramount, and information that may lead or allude to their identification cannot be released.

SQUARE ONE THEATRE HOSTS MEETING AT LIBRARY

Friends Meeting Includes “Sneak-Peek” of CHESTER BAILEY

            Friends of Square One Theatre Company, the volunteer organization of the Stratford-based theatre, will hold its final general meeting of its 33rd season on Tuesday, February 27 at 7 pm at the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford.  The meeting, which is free, open to the public and held in the Library’s Lovell Room, will focus on the theatre’s final production of the season, “Chester Bailey”, opening March 7.   

            A short business meeting, conducted by President Carole Fanslow, and a rundown of upcoming Friends events will begin the program. The Friends are currently making plans for their annual spring lunch fundraiser at the Library as well as other volunteer activities.

Artistic Director Tom Holehan will discuss the theatre’s upcoming production, the Connecticut premiere of Joseph Dougherty’s mysterious new play, “Chester Bailey”.  Actors Alexander Kulcsar and Kiel Stango will perform scenes from the play about a young man suffering catastrophic injuries at the close of World War II and the troubled doctor assigned to his care.  A question/answer session will follow the preview.  Light refreshments will also be served.

For further information, call the Square One Theatre Company at 203.375.8778.

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