Category: Westport

2024-04-10@10:00am–#Westport CT– #cttraffic– A three car accident report I-95 northbound between exits 17 and 18. No word on injuries.

Westport, CT –  The Conservation Department reminds Westport residents and landscape crews that starting on May 15, 2024, the use of handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Town.

Conservation Director Colin Kelly stated, “As of Wednesday, May 15, 2024, gas powered leaf blowers may not be used during Summer. According to the Leaf Blower Ordinance, passed by the RTM in 2023, “Summer” is defined as the days beginning on May 15th and ending on October 15th of each year.”  Kelly continued, “We are getting the word out now, in early spring, to remind everyone about the ordinance. Hopefully, this transition will be smooth for our residents. The RTM originally approved the ordinance in January of last year to give residents and crews the time to adjust to the new regulations.”

Additional information may be found on the Conservation Department page on the Town Website: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/conservation-department/gas-powered-leaf-blower-ordinance

Mr. Kelly states, “We are encouraging the Town to prepare for this changeover. Homeowners should adopt their landscaping habits to meet the goals of the ordinance. If needed, speak with landscapers and make them aware of the requirements.”  He also stated that the Conservation Department will be responding to written complaints from the public. “If you find someone is not following the ordinance, please feel free to send our office an email or letter with whatever information is available. We will follow-up by reviewing each complaint and sending educational materials to those who are not adhering to the ordinance.” Contact the Conservation Office by email at: ckelly@westportct.gov or mail at: Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, contact the Conservation Department at 203-341-1170 or review its webpage: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/conservation-department

Thursday, April 25 @ 7:00 PM

Westport, CT – First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced that, in coordination with the Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and Public Safety Departments, the Town will host its next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Update Session on Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Auditorium. The purpose of the meeting will be to update the public on the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force’s progress and to allow additional discussion and input from residents about traffic and areas of concern they may have in their neighborhoods.

Included in this discussion will be Town employees who are experienced in traffic management, knowledgeable of roadway conditions, engineering, and possible speed calming solutions, as well as the regulations and oversight authority of the Town. We will also be joined during the meeting by our consultant team responsible for the preparation of the Town of Westport’s Safety Action Plan which has been funded through a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant from the federal government. Representatives from our lead consultant Tighe & Bond, along with their partners from FHI Studio and CDM Smith will be in attendance to provide an update on their work to date on the project.

All interested residents are encouraged to attend. They will have the opportunity to express concerns and gain knowledge about what steps may be feasible or are already in progress to help manage and mitigate traffic and safety issues. The Representatives from the consulting team will present an introduction to the Safety Action Plan project including an overview of the Safety Action Plan requirements, study process and work tasks, and overall project timeline. They will also provide an update on the information and responses collected to date through the interactive map survey which is currently available to the public Following a short presentation, the project team will be available to answer questions and provide more information regarding ways for the public to participate throughout the study process.

The interactive, online survey provides residents with an opportunity to share insights, experiences, and suggestions to help shape the future of road safety in Westport. To complete the online survey, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Westport-SS4A-Survey. The survey is mobile-friendly and can be completed in just a few minutes.

First Selectwoman Tooker noted, “The work to address traffic and pedestrian safety challenges is ongoing, and an important function of town staff. Both Town staff and representatives from our Safe Streets and Roads for All Study consultants at Tighe & Bond have been working diligently to gather information, answer questions, address comments and concerns, and administer specific road and safety-related projects with the LTA. I am happy to report that by working together, we have made strides in resolving a number of traffic and road safety concerns in Westport. There is more work to do, and community input and engagement are important components of the mission to make Westport a safe and welcoming place for residents, visitors and business owners.”

Westport, CT – In January 2018, the State of Connecticut became one of the first states in the nation to restrict the use of insecticides called Neonicotinoids or “Neonics” for short. This class of chemicals has been proven to be especially harmful to the world’s pollinators.

The Westport Public Works Department encourages residents to take advantage of Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 13, and safely dispose of any Neonicotinoids containing insecticides.

If you have products that contain one of the following chemicals on the label, you are encouraged to help save our pollinators and bring the following products to Household Hazardous Waste Day:

• Imidacloprid
• Clothianidin
• Thiamethoxam
• Acetamiprid
• Dinotefuran

Date:       Saturday, April 13, 2024

Where:    Greens Farms RR Station Parking Lot #1 on New Creek Road

Time:      9 am – 2 pm

Westport, CT –Director of Human Services Elaine Daignault has announced that the Town is now accepting applications for the 2024 Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program sponsored by the CT Dept. of Revenue Services (DRS). The deadline for submissions to the Town’s Human Services Department is Friday, May 17, 2024. The NAA program is designed to fund municipal and tax-exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses that contribute cash to these entities.

The NAA program allows businesses to claim a State tax credit for cash contributions to qualifying community programs conducted by tax-exempt or municipal agencies. The community programs that qualify for the NAA tax credit include but are not necessarily limited to energy conservation, employment and training, childcare services, programs serving low-income persons, open space acquisition, crime prevention programs, and affordable housing development. The minimum contribution on which a tax credit may be granted is $25,000, and the maximum contribution that any nonprofit or municipal entity can receive under this program is $150,000. No Town funds are involved in this program.

Each municipal agency or tax-exempt organization wishing to participate in the NAA Program must complete the program proposal application on the CT DRS website. This form must be submitted to the municipality for approval by its governing body. All locally approved programs must be submitted to the DRS before July 1, 2024.

For further information about the Neighborhood Assistance Act Program, please visit the DRS website at http://www.ct.gov/DRS. (Search for 2024 Neighborhood Assistance Act program application). Agencies wishing to participate should submit applications to Elaine Daignault, Director, Westport Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880 by Friday, May 17, 2024. The list of participating agencies will be submitted to the Representative Town Meeting for approval at its meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Westport, CT – Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young has announced that on April 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM, the Planning and Zoning Commission will be reviewing requests for a Positive Report for a Municipal Improvement and Approval of a Coastal Site Plan for substantial improvements to the Inn at Longshore located within the Town-owned property known as Longshore Club Park at 260 Compo Rd. S.

A project narrative prepared by LANDTECH on behalf of Longshore Hospitality, LLC, states: “The interior renovations include but not limited to a new HVAC system throughout, replacement of the windows and doors, an increased number of guest rooms along with the renovation of the current rooms, updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen that is associated with the Inn and restaurant, various plumbing and electrical upgrades and ADA compliance updates. The architect, Ken Nadler, is proposing to create a new entrance with a porte cochere. The other exterior renovations include a series of patios that will extend across the length of the building and have access to the great lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage and replacement of siding and roofing. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $5 million. Site improvements will also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan around the site of the Inn.” The April 8, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and/or accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may offer testimony by joining the meeting.

The Zoom meeting link is posted on the meeting agenda. The meeting agenda is available at www.westportct.gov on the “Meeting List and Calendar” web page.

2024-03-29@10:02pm–#Westport CT– A woman in her fifties reportedly fell through the attic onto the next floor on Spicer Court.

Program Begins Accepting Applications on April 1

Westport, CT – Human Services Director Elaine Daignault reminds qualifying residents that the 2024 State of Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program begins accepting applications on April 1, 2024. Westport residents must contact the Westport Human Services Department on or after April 1, 2024, to make an appointment to complete the application.

The State of CT Renters’ Rebate Program provides income-based reimbursement for seniors aged 65+ and/or individuals with disabilities who collect Social Security income. The renters’ rebate amount is based on qualifying income and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the previous calendar year (2023). The maximum income for a single person to qualify is $43,800 or $53,400 for a married couple.

In addition to meeting the criteria above, applicants must meet a one-year state residency requirement. People renting an apartment, room, mobile home, or cooperative housing may be eligible for this program. Go to 2024 State of Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program to learn more about the program.

The deadline to apply for this state-funded program is September 27, 2024. Applicants must contact the Human Services Department at (203) 341-1067 or via email at Kwitt@westportct.gov to complete the application process. Please note: Connecticut residents living outside Westport must contact their municipality to receive assistance with the application.

(Westport, CT) On March 26, 2024 at approximately 12:42 am, Westport Police responded to a residence near Compo Beach on a report from a homeowner that their vehicle was being burglarized.

The complainant reported that their Ring doorbell camera activated when a suspect entered a vehicle parked in the driveway. The complainant reported that a dark colored vehicle was waiting in the street for the suspect. Westport Police were on scene almost immediately and set up a perimeter in the area of Hills Point Road, Greens Farms Road, and Compo Road South. One of the responding officers located a suspicious vehicle exiting Mimi Lane and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle did

not stop for the officer and fled the area. An officer stationed at Hills Point Road and Greens Farms Road waited for the suspect vehicle to approach his location where he successfully deployed a tire deflation device (Stop Sticks). The vehicle continued east on Greens Farms Road. Another officer who was in the area observed the vehicle entering Sherwood Island State Park and waited for it to exit as he knew the park and gates were closed. The vehicle emerged from the park and became disabled from the flat tires as it entered I-95 NB at Exit 18. All three occupants then fled on foot.

Responding officers gave chase and located two of the individuals (1 adult and 1 juvenile) hiding in the water of the marsh to the south of I-95. A short time later, MTA Police notified Westport Police that they had located the third suspect, a juvenile, in the area of Clayton Place. All three parties were arrested, transported to Westport Police Department, and charged with the following crimes:

 CGS 53a-48/53a-125b Conspiracy Commit Larceny 6

 CGS 53a-48/53a-103 Conspiracy to Commit Burglary 3 rd

 CGS 53a-167a Interfering with a Police Officer

The arrested adult was identified as Willie Redd, a 19 year old male from Naugatuck, CT and he was

additionally charged with:

 CGS 14-222 Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

 CGS 14-223(b) Engaging in Pursuit

The two juveniles were released on juvenile summonses to their family while Mr. Redd was released after posting bond and being assigned a court date of April 11, 2024 at Stamford Superior Court.

The Westport Police again remind residents to lock their vehicles and take valuables out of their locked cars. We encourage the use of alarm/surveillance systems and exterior lighting at night.

Westport Police, Westport Fire, and Westport EMS responded to Compo Beach on a report that there were numerous people in the water after a boat they were operating capsized. Responding units found a chaotic scene of youths swimming to shore, arriving by boat, and some still in the water near Cockenoe Island. First Responders immediately began providing care to those individuals who were on shore and coordinating the recovery of people in the water. While accounting for and locating all the people involved, medical care was provided, and two individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment. At this time the initial investigation indicates that three (3) rowing sculls and one (1) chase boat launched from Saugatuck Rowing Club. Each rowing scull is 60 feet long and held nine (9) rowers ranging in age from 14-18 while the chase boat was operated by their coach. When the boats reached the area of Cockenoe Island, the weather began to change, and the rowers attempted to return to the rowing club. The rowing sculls began to take on water causing two of them to capsize throwing 18 people into the water. These individuals swam to the chase boat and began to hang onto the side of that boat which caused the chase boat to sink as well. Another chase boat from the rowing club arrived on scene and began to shuttle people to Compo Beach Marina. At the time of this incident the air temperature was approximately 40 degrees, and the water temperature was 44 degrees. In total there were 29 people from the rowing club that was involved in this incident. Westport Board of Education assisted by providing a school bus to transport the individuals from Compo Beach to Saugatuck Rowing Club. “This was truly a team effort” Chief Koskinas stated. “We are grateful for our surrounding agencies who assisted us with this incident and remind our communities that when a large scale event, like this, happens we all show up to help.”