Category: Westport

Westport, CT – The Aquarion Water Company (“Aquarion”) has announced that it will begin site preparation for the North Avenue water tank project at 63-67 North Avenue in Westport.  Initial work is scheduled to commence on June 4, 2020 and included the installation of erosion controls, temporary fencing and limited site clearing. The water tank project includes construction of two 40-foot tall water tanks, removal of an existing tank and extensive landscape restoration throughout the property. The project is expected to be completed in two years.

The water tank project will provide Westport residents with a significantly expanded water storage supply for fire protection and everyday water usage.

Prior to the final approval of the project, the Town of Westport, Aquarion, residents of the North Avenue neighborhood, and the CT Public Utilities Regulatory Agency (“PURA”) worked collaboratively to balance the need for sufficient water supply and public safety, particularly in the area of fire protection, as well as the  impact that the construction and final project will have on the neighborhood. PURA imposed several conditions to help minimize the impact on the neighborhood and those who may travel along North Avenue during times of construction. Of particular concern was the proximity of the site to Staples High School and the traffic conditions associated with school arrival and dismissal times.

First Selectman Jim Marpe commented, “For nearly two years, town staff and I have participated in numerous meetings, negotiations and discussions on how the proposed water tanks could be built with limited disruption to the neighborhood and its property values. The settlement agreement between the North Avenue neighbors and Aquarion is one that I endorsed to PURA.  I am confident that the controls put into place will allow for planned activity, minimal disruptions to the town and ample support to the neighbors. I would also like to thank the members of our State Legislative delegation: Will Haskell, Tony Hwang, Gail LaVielle and Jonathan Steinberg, who were active in these negotiations.”

Among the conditions of the settlement agreement was the appointment of an ombudsman to act as a liaison with the neighbors, town officials and Aquarion. The ombudsman will provide weekly construction updates to the neighbors and meet with school and police personnel in an effort insure minimal impact on vehicular and pedestrian traffic on North Avenue. There will also be an independent site monitor to ensure permit compliance.

Construction hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with some pre-arranged extensions required during the construction.  There are no planned roadway closures for North Avenue. The Board of Selectmen acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority (LTA) has reviewed and confirmed that the proposed trucking route plans submitted by the Aquarion Water Company for bringing equipment and materials to the water tank construction site are satisfactory.

The public is encouraged to visit Aquarion’s website at: www.aquarionwater.com/infrastructure-projects for construction status, work schedules and project updates.

 

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#Westport Ct– The Westport Police Department is proud to announce our partnership with the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP and TEAM Westport in the ‘Feed a Family’ Food Drive scheduled for this Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Stop and Shop Westport; 1790 Post Road East. Volunteers from all three organizations will be on hand at Stop and Shop hand accepting donations from 9:00 am to 2:00pm. All items collected will directly benefit and be hand-delivered by event volunteers to families in need in Norwalk, Westport, and Weston. Requested items include but are not limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishable items such as cereals and pastas along with unused masks, cleansers, toilet paper, and paper towels. Artwork by residents of any age containing supportive and encouraging messages is also requested to accompany the grocery delivery. Those seeking additional information are requested to contact the event’s coordinator; Jennifer Friedland. She can be reached at (917) 841- 9658 or at JenTFriedland@Gmail.com. We collectively thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity in helping to support our neighbors in need.

 

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Fire Department UPDATE: At 8:32pm this evening the Westport Fire Department Emergency Communications Center received a report of a structure fire on Turkey Hill Lane. The department responded with 4 engines, a ladder truck, and the shift commander. Arriving units found a smoke in the basement and first floor. After further investigation a fire was found in a wall on the first floor. Access was made to the walls and the fire was quickly extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office. Westport Police and Westport EMS assisted on scene. Mutual aid station coverage was provided by the Wilton and Fairfield Fire Departments during the incident.

2020-06-02@8:39pm–#Westport CT– Firefighters are on scene on Turkey Hill Lane for a fire inside the wall of the home.  Fairfield provided mutual aid.

 

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Westport, CT – Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced today that in accordance with Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7TT, effective June 1, 2020, the limitation on the number of people allowed in a recreational gathering has been increased from 5 people to 25 people for outdoor recreational gatherings.

Outdoor gatherings are now permitted for up to and including 25 people with the following restrictions:

1. No contact sports or sports that include shared handling of objects such as balls or frisbees are allowed.
2. Attendees shall remain six feet apart, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, and household members, and except when dining, masks shall be worn when within six feet of those not in the same household.

iii.                If the event is an organized gathering, the organizer shall demarcate six feet of spacing in the area of the gathering to demonstrate appropriate spacing for social distancing.

This increase pertains to outdoor recreational gatherings including, but not limited to, the opening of the Wakeman, Staples (including the Staples track), and Kings Highway fields for individual use and exercise as indicated in the May 29, 2020 press release.

For updates, please check the Town website at www.westportct.gov/covid19 or #Reopenwestportct.

 

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#Westport, CT – Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava is pleased to announce  the following updates regarding various recreation facilities.

Tennis:

The Town Farm tennis courts and the Doubleday tennis courts (located behind Saugatuck Elementary School) are anticipated to open on June 5, 2020.  At this time, play will be limited to courts with nets and singles play only, along with other restrictions, which can be found on the tennis pages at www.westportrecreation.com.

Longshore Golf Course:

As of June 1, 2020, single rider golf carts and pull carts will be available at Longshore Golf Course through the 2pm tee time.  Use is restricted so that enough time is available at the end of the day to ensure proper sanitization.  Carts are limited and available while supplies last.

As of June 5, 2020, tee times at Longshore Golf Course will start at 7am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and will remain at 8am Mondays through Thursdays.  Additionally, play will be extended daily with the last tee time at 7pm.

Athletic Fields:

As of June 1, 2020, the athletic fields at Wakeman, Staples (including Staples track) and Kings Highway will be open for individual use and exercise.  No organized, competitive, pick-up team play, practices or games will be allowed.  Current gathering rules limiting groups to no more than five (5) people must be adhered to, along with social distancing rules.  Those not following these rules will be asked to leave.  If compliance is not occurring, fields may be closed completely.

As of June 1, 2020, the Ginny Parker Field at Staples and the PJ Romano Field at Saugatuck Elementary will be closed for the summer due to construction.

Fava stated, “Staff from the Parks and Recreation Department, Westport Police Department and Westport School District will continue to work together to monitor and enforce the rules.  We ask for everyone’s cooperation as community compliance is necessary to keep our facilities open and to allow us to continue opening additional facilities.”

First Selectman Jim Marpe commented, “This is another important step in our reopening process.  It is an example of how we are listening to the community and working to safely respond to these concerns.”

For updates, please check the Town website at westportct.gov/covid19 or #Reopenwestportct.

 

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Westport, CT – Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced today that the Town of Westport has decided not to hold the RECing Crew and Camp Compo programs this summer due to the COVID-19 health emergency.

“Due to the many restrictions placed upon camps by the State, the limited number of children that could be served, limitations of our facilities, the challenge of social distancing, and the new unknowns related to Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome, we are concerned about our ability to provide these programs in a safe manner. Additionally, they would not be the camp experiences that our campers and parents have come to expect,” Fava said.

First Selectman, Jim Marpe stated, “This was not an easy decision to make, but after consulting with staff and the Westport Weston Health District, we believe this is the right decision for our specific programs.  The health and safety of our participants and staff, and the larger community, is our foremost concern. In light of that and the uncertainties related to the Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome, there was too much health risk as it pertains to these programs.”

Other Parks and Recreation summer programs are currently being evaluated and restructured to meet the necessary requirements. Information on these programs and registration will be provided as soon as they are finalized.

For updates, please check the Town website at www.westportct.gov/covid19 or #Westportctcovid19info.

 

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Westport, CT – The Westport Library joined four other Fairfield County libraries today to announce plans to begin curbside pick-up of books and other materials as soon as June 15th.  The Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, and Weston libraries collaborated on this decision.

The Westport Library developed a multi-phased reopening plan in close collaboration with the Town of Westport and the Westport-Weston Health District. The first phase of the plan includes curbside pick-up and a process to safely quarantine returned books and materials.

“We are delighted to provide curbside pick-up of books, DVD’s and other materials to our patrons,” said Bill Harmer, Executive Director of the Westport Library. “We miss seeing everyone and are very pleased to be taking these first steps towards our eventual reopening.”

“Because executive orders on the reopening of public library buildings are still in development and guidelines are changing often, it is hard to predict when libraries will be allowed to open their buildings,” stated First Selectman Jim Marpe.  “By offering curbside service, the Westport Library has put forth a safe and smart solution that is consistent with our Town-wide approach.  In the year since the Library reopened as a transformed institution, it has constantly demonstrated the ability to innovate. This is one more example of innovation and is positive news for our residents and businesses that need access to one of Westport’s most valuable assets. The regional approach taken here with our neighboring communities is done in the spirit of us all being in this and getting through this together.”

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Westport in early March, together we have had success in slowing the spread of COVID-19 with the use of face covering, gloves and by limiting close contact with others in the community,” said Mark Cooper, Director of Health, Westport Weston Health District.  “However, we cannot stay home forever; we all need to meet basic household needs and start the economy going again. By following the Library’s well thought out plan to start offering curbside service, and allowing for the safe return of materials, it is another important step in this direction.”

While the Westport Library building has been closed because of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Library’s digital resources have been available 24/7. With a wide array of digital offerings, including e-books, audiobooks, streaming music and movies, story times with favorite librarians, author talks and more, the Library has continued to provide invaluable educational and entertaining content to the community.

The Westport Library will provide detailed plans and service start dates on its website www.westportlibrary.org and through its e-newsletter and social media channels when more information is available.

 

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Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe provided the following message and update today:

This weekend’s reopening plan for the Compo Beach and Soundview Parking Lots, as well as reopening of play at Longshore Golf Course with restrictions, was successful. In general, everyone was respectful, aware, and accommodating to the social distancing and having masks available when not able to maintain six-foot distances. I appreciate the efforts everyone made, including residents and Town staff, that helped insure a positive outcome.

There remains, however, some who are choosing not to adhere to the CDC recommendations. In order for us to be successful in our reopening efforts, we must self-monitor and request that everyone comply with the recommendations outlined for the general health and well-being of all. We are in uncharted territory, and gentle reminders to those around us are encouraged. Remember, whenever you leave your home, you are wearing a mask to protect your neighbors, and they are wearing one to protect you. Please have a mask readily available (around your neck, NOT in your pocket) and be prepared to carefully pull it up and over your mouth and nose at any time. Parents, please remind your children that the rules apply to them as well. Together, we can meet the challenges that face us all during these unprecedented times.

Re-Open Advisory Team:

 

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team will hold a public meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM. It will be held electronically, live streamed on www.westportct.gov, and broadcast on Westport’s Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.  Emails to the Advisory Team may be sent to reopenteam@westportct.gov.

For information on town services and facilities status reopening plans: www.westportct/reopen

 

Restaurants Re-Opening:

 

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7MM, which primarily modifies state and local law to streamline the application and approval process for outdoor dining and outdoor display of retail goods. The Town of Westport will be streamlining and expediting the process for those applicants seeking approval for outdoor dining.  The application form and a detailed description of the rules will be made available on the town’s P&Z website this week (www.westportct.gov/pnz).

These Applications will be approved by administratively with an expected response time within 10 days of the application receipt date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission has waived any requirements for a hearing on these applications to allow for an expedited reopening of outdoor dining in Westport

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team is working with Westport retailers and the Selectman’s Office for administrative approvals on the use of town property for the outdoor display of retail goods.

Phase 1 Reopening Date Revised for Barbershops and Hair Salons

Hair salons and barbershops were initially included in Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopen plan, which begins May 20. According to a release today, however, Governor Lamont said that after having extensive discussions with owners and employees of these businesses it is in everyone’s best interests to provide for some additional preparation time and also align the state with its regional partners.

Tax Relief Program REMINDER:

The tax relief program application for April’s tax payment is due this Friday, May 22.   The deadline for the July payment is July 1, 2020. www.westportct.gov/TaxRelief.

 

WWHD Update:

Executive Director of the Westport-Weston Health District Mark Cooper reports:

Phase 1 of reopening Connecticut businesses begins next week. The WWHD has been hard at work contributing to both state and town planning efforts, as well as training for the anticipated surge in testing and contact tracing. Wide-spread testing and contact tracing are key components of a successful and steady reopening process. The WWHD’s Community Health staff will be performing contact tracing for our local community. While some municipalities across Connecticut have opted to rely on the State Department of Public Health to do the tracing, the WWHD expects have the ability to manage the volume of calls in-house.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Westport and Weston, WWHD staff has been contact tracing infected individuals. We anticipate that the number of positive tests will increase with wide-spread testing, so capacity has been augmented accordingly. Staff will be joined in the efforts by the Westport Public School nurses who have generously volunteered to help our community with this important work. Additionally, Medical Reserve Corp volunteers, under the direction of Emergency Management Director, Mike Vincelli, have answered the call for assistance during this crisis. We are incredibly grateful for all of these amazing, knowledgeable volunteers.  Our volunteers have completed the necessary training modules and will be supervised by WWHD’s Director of Clinical Care, Dr. Louis D’Onofrio.  This team effort will enable the Health District to reach out to impacted individuals to educate them on safe practices, self-isolation measures, and to answer any questions.

Parks & Rec:

 

Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava also announced today the anticipated opening of the Longshore Club Park and Staples High School tennis courts on May 27.  Play will be limited to singles play and will only be allowed on courts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 at Longshore and courts 2, 4, and 6 at Staples.  Additional restrictions will be in place and will be posted on the tennis page of the Parks and Recreation Department website www.westportrecreation.com.  Use of the Longshore tennis courts will require advanced reservations with payment by credit card only, no walk-ups will be permitted.

The opening of the Longshore Pool complex is delayed until further notice, as is the staffing of lifeguards at Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach, as the Town awaits further guidance from the State.

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#WESTPORT, Conn. – First Selectman Jim Marpe announced positive results from Tuesday’s $34.4 million bond sale, which yielded competitive interest rates on the strength of solid reviews from Moody’s Investors Service, one of the three major Wall Street Rating Agency firms.

“It is great to see these results and the fact that our bonds were in such a high demand,” said Mr.  Marpe. “We are very pleased with these results as they keep our debt service costs, and the burden on the taxpayers, as low as possible.”

He continued, “I would like to thank Westport’s Director of Finance, Gary Conrad and his staff for assembling the volumes of information required to prepare for this offer at the same time that our annual budget was being finalized, all during this unprecedented health crisis. My thanks also to our long-time municipal bond consultants at Phoenix Advisors who once again have steered us to an extremely successful bond issue.”

The Town received a total of ten bids on the Bonds with Morgan Stanley & Co. submitting the winning bid. Morgan Stanley beat out firms such as FHN Financial Capital Markets who was the second place bid, Citi, JP Morgan, Janney Montgomery Scott, and Piper Sandler, among others.

The interest rates bid on the bonds ranged from a winning bid of 1.93% to a high bid of 2.10%. It was a tightly contested competitive sale with bids from the top nine firms within a range of only 10 basis points (0.10%).  The bonds will primarily finance renovations at Coleytown Middle School along with a number of other smaller projects including Synthetic Turf Fields at the track at Staples High School and a number of other public improvement projects.

“Considering the extreme municipal market volatility that we experienced in mid-March, today’s results cannot include enough superlatives,” said Matthew Spoerndle, senior managing director of Phoenix Advisors and Westport’s municipal advisor. “It’s very rare to receive double digit bids on a sale, and even more rare for a 20-year bond to sell at an interest rate under 2%.  Congratulations to the Town!”

Moody’s affirmed Westport’s rating at Aaa, which is the highest rating available.  Within the report, Moody’s referenced the Towns “large, stable tax base with extremely strong income and wealth levels” and “stable financial position” while also noting that “management’s willingness to aggressively address liabilities” like pensions and other post-employment benefits is a credit strength. Also of note is the fact that the Town’s debt ratios are in line with national Aaa medians.  The Town will be retiring roughly 74% of all existing debt over the next 10 years which is viewed very favorably.

Moody’s also mentions the Town’s “history of financially stable operations, conservative budgeting practices and target fund balance policy” among the factors influencing the Town’s high credit rating.  This has become increasingly important since the forward-looking view is tenuous at best for many sectors as a result of the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.

The settlement date for the sale is May 27, 2020, after which the funds become available to the Town.

 

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