By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The Planning and Zoning Commission has been asked for its opinion on a plan to add a roofed pavilion to a courtyard at Kings Highway Elementary School.

The request, from First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker on behalf of the Board of Education, was made under the state’s 8-24 statute, which requires review of changes to municipally owned properties.

The 12,000-square-foot pavilion would have a 40-foot by 30-foot polyethylene cloth roof that would be taken down for the winter months. Also included in the request is a 48-square-foot storage shed.

The pavilion would be in a rear courtyard of the school at 125 Post Road West.

“The area under the 1,200 square foot open-air pavilion will be improved with turf, tables, and instructional seating,” a P&Z staff report by Amanda Trianovich reads. “The existing sidewalks will remain. This area is proposed to be a multifunctional space for the Westport and the Kings Highway Elementary School community to utilize for lessons, meetings, gatherings, and activities.”

“According to the Applicant, during the school year, this space will serve as an outside classroom in a quiet and safe location,” the report continued. “The area may also be used as a location for Staff and/or PTA meetings, lunches, and individual or small group student time. In addition to this being a learning space, it would offer overhead coverage for drop off and pickup for students.”

The 8-24 request must be acted on by the Planning and Zoning Commission by Aug. 1 or will be considered automatically approved.

The plan also will require variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals because it will exceed the allowable coverage on the property, and is an accessory structure over 300 square feet. It is on the ZBA’s agenda for 6 p.m. July 25.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.