Editor’s note: Westport Journal was copied in the below opinion sent to First Selectman Kevin Christie by Westporter and member of the Coalition for Westport G. Kenneth Bernhard.
On behalf of the Coalition for Westport, we respectfully submit the following land use and planning issues for your consideration. Each of these proposals is intended to improve safety, sustainability, and long-term planning outcomes for the Town of Westport while preserving the character and livability of our community.
1. Cribari Bridge
While we understand and appreciate the sentiment of those who would preserve the bridge in its present configuration, we think that improving its functionality, traffic flow and safety should be the first priority. If that can be accomplished in an aesthetically acceptable manner, we would favor that approach. Connecticut DOT has cautioned us that the design phase of the project is in the very early stages, but they have also said that it is possible, through a combination of design choices and town initiatives to restrict truck traffic on adjacent roadways, while bringing the bridge up to acceptable standards without inviting additional unwanted traffic.
We urge the town to keep all options on the table and to continue to work with CT DOT as it attempts to satisfy a daunting host of bureaucratic requirements.
2. Relocation of the Police Station (perhaps the Fire Station as well)
Assuming adequate land is available, we recommend planning for the relocation of the police station (Fire Station) to the east side of the I-95 connector. This relocation would create greater flexibility and opportunity for the development, redevelopment, and overall improvement of the downtown area, while continuing to meet public safety needs.
3. Parking Garage at the Baldwin Parking Area
We encourage the Town to review the cost, feasibility, and desirability of constructing a parking garage over the Baldwin parking area. Such a structure could provide essential parking replacement when the Parker-Harding parking lot is upgraded to conform with federal safety standards, thereby minimizing the loss of downtown parking capacity. The visual impact would be minimal because of the slope of the lot.
At the same time, we recommend looking into the possibility of extending the Parker Harding lot by building out on pilings over the river because the merchants want to maintain the same number of slots.
4. Relocation of Community Gardens to Winslow Park
With the significant increase in new apartment development, community gardens are becoming an essential amenity that allows residents to enjoy nature and grow food. We propose relocating the community gardens to the open and infrequently used portion of Winslow Park that abuts Compo North. This area offers good soil, ample sunlight, an existing water supply, and space for a small parking area. The gardens would comply with zoning regulations, be visually attractive, and enhance community engagement and environmental stewardship.
5. Creation of a “Swap Shop” at the Transfer Station
We recommend constructing a small shed or building at the transfer station (or perhaps at Winslow Park parking lot) to serve as a “swap shop.” This facility would allow residents to drop off and recycle useful household items, tools, and equipment rather than discarding them into garbage containers, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
6. Appointment of a Charter Revision Commission
Finally, we urge the creation of a Charter Revision Commission to consider permitting a separate Planning Commission. Such a commission could independently review, develop, and propose long-range planning ideas for consideration by the Zoning Commission, strengthening coordination and improving the quality of planning decisions in Westport. We note that an extra burden will be placed on the Planning function by the requirement of HB 2001 that the town enact a housing plan. At the same time a review of the Charter would be an opportunity to clarify provisions that have been subject to varying interpretations.
We appreciate your attention to these matters and your continued commitment to thoughtful planning and responsible growth. The Coalition for Westport would welcome the opportunity to discuss these ideas further and to participate constructively in any future review process.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Coalition for Westport
Ron Corwin, Chairman
Ken Bernhard
Larry Weisman
Roger Leifer
Denise Torve
Mike Dinshaw
Ross Brukhardt
Joe Strickland
Mike Naylor
cc: Westport Journal
The state has no choice but to build a new bridge over the Saugatuck on Route 136 before people get killed by a bridge collapse like the fatal Mianus river bridge collapse in 1983.
I would guess the town could pass a “No Thru Trucks” ordinance like Easton has done. However, truckers don’t pay attention to those signs and why should they? If they have to haul something to a certain place at a certain time they will do it. Why? Because they have families to support. They are the opposite of criminals and are simply making an honest living.
The Board of Selectmen and women (our Local Traffic Authority) could request restrictions or prohibitions.
However, Section 14-298 of the General Statutes of Connecticut (CGS) grants authority to the Office of the State Traffic Administration (OSTA) to prohibit through truck traffic of streets and highways within the limits of and under the jurisdiction of any city, town or borough within Connecticut for the protection and safety of the public.
After 20 years of controversy, court orders and delays, OSTA prohibited truck traffic on Rt 136 (Tokeneke Rd) in Darien.
Greens Farms Rd (local, but feeding a DDD zone office building) and South Compo Rd/Bridge (state owned) are the roads likely to carry 18 wheeler traffic to and from the proposed replacement bridge.
Excellent idea by the Coalition for Westport to build a parking garage in the Baldwin lot. Build the garage first so the merchants customers and employees can park there.
After that is completed upgrade the Parker Harding lot to meet the legal standards and blacktop it which is sorely needed.
The Coalition referred to it as a parking GARAGE and that is exactly what it is. Tremendous courage for them to call it a GARAGE.
All good thoughts. Wondering how one becomes a member of Coalition for Westport.
Dear First Selectman,
First and foremost, remember that Westport is not a place to be developed but a place to raise children.
As a bedroom community with a diverse cultural heritage and history we need to preserve the beautiful nature of the way Westport is, and as it was when I moved here in the 60’s.
It is not because I personally see Westport as it was then but because it is then that Westport reached is zenith in coolness, in shabby chic freedom and awesomeness where film stars casually sauntered around without a care. It was a place for creativity. Money didn’t rule, humanity and its greatest potential were the currency.
So look not to parking lots and concrete to make your mark. But the free spirit of the young minds who are to nourished by expression and a progressive attitude towards liberty. And extend that liberty and freedom to the open space around us, the beautiful open space and commitment to the parents concerns and NOT the concerns of commercial property owners, who quite frankly have run out of places to develop without changing the magical nature of our town.
To rephrase my final thoughts; the commercial property owners have valid input, it is the commercial property developers who are more interested in developing square footage than having a great place to raise kids. And that, it is having a great place to raise kids that is what attracts the talent.
I take exception to your premise that Westpoort is “a place to raise children.” That’s a line out of the Handmaid’s Tale or The Stepford Wives..
There are plenty of us here who are empty nesters, childless, single, young adults, caregivers to the elderly, elderly, or otherwise, who live here for many many reasons other than “to raise children.”
Sure, it’s a great place for children. But a very narrow mind fails to see the rest of our population here in Westporr.
From my experience living in Westport for almost 60 years, having gone to nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school, junior high, high school and then living in Westport on and off for decades I can reassure you that the very greatest magic of Westport is the childhood experience and those parents that arrived here for that very reason added the most.
you are trying to insult me or take exception?
You are welcome to think what you will about me, do you have children? If you don’t I could understand you not liking what I have observed about town.
I have no ill will toward you, Mr. Tracy. I read your comments regularly and glad you are engaged in town matters.
I take exception to your premise. I am very glad you, like many others, have great memories of growing up in Westport.
I grew up in Detroit, and I too have many great memories and blessings as a child, not the least of which were my loving parents and family.
I also have great memories over my 26 years here in Westport as an elder adult.
I think it’s it important that I clarify my thesis about Westport being for children with some examples to clear up any misunderstanding.
Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but Compo Beach is like a big sandbox for kids, Longshore pool and boat lessons are loved by kids. When I was at beach School all my friends were there all summer everyday. The mini busses that took us around were primarily used by children. Downtown stores were for kids clothes, such as Gap and selective eye, bongs and jeans, part barn and functional clothing and even Paul Zabins, the housewives had a some stores for them but I can assure you these women were moms first. The schools were the very best, the ball fields were always filled with parents on the sidelines. The restaurants like Chubby Lanes and big top and the Westport pizzaria were packed with kids daily. There were some businessman’s restaurants as well like the peppermill and Mario’s. And the bars… well back then filled with children as the drinking age was 18. The black duck and vivas were all teenagers milling about. Even the smoke shops were filled with kids playing video games. We had Arnies place and Dairy Queen and Carvel. We had the levitt for concerts and the nature center was tops for kids programming. Most of the adult stuff was moved to Norwalk. wehad childworld for toys and the wizard of Westport, the Barron had no children however.
Westport had the very best special ed classes. And after school we had raging parties everyday while the parents were at work. All of the parents had moved to Westport so their kids could have the very best. If you wanted to go nightclubbing for real, that is what New York was for. Most of the time our fathers were not at home because they were busy at work — providing. These fathers were real providers!
So you see, looking back, I now realize that Westport was a magical place unlike any other— for children. Most of my friends moved away after they grew up. Sigrid Schultz had no children, so my mom took me to see her every day, or a few times a week.
There used to be roving packs of kids wandering around everywhere. But when I moved back from my ten years in Hollywood, everything had changed—- where was everybody.? Well the theaters were gone. The ice cream parlor closed. Teenage smoking was banned. The restaurants had turned into an adult affair. No one was playing in the streets. Everyone looked gloomy and old. And eventually only rich old people could afford Westport. What a shame.
But I will always remember when everything in Westport was about the kids, and how beautiful that was, because it wasn’t about selfish old people. The adults were sacrificing their fun times so their children could have it all.
This is why Westport is now having identity crisis. When you have a vision everything falls into place. These ideas are not my own, I came to understand how parents who sacrifice for their children become great neighbors and mentors. It took me decades to come to the realization that the dream that is Westport is only made possible out of love and commitment and sacrifice for their children.
And to be honest this is just a brief survey of this thesis, there is so much more, the teen center, the record stores, the book stores. I can’t even think of one thing for adults, ok maybe the brook cafe and crazy vins, ed Mitchell. But sport mart was for kids. Oh and the single adults were all artists and childlike.
Chris:
The Coalition for Westport welcomes new members. The more who are involved, the broader our perspective and the more thoughtful our positions on issues of the day. I suggest that you email Ron Corwin (Ron@Ron Corwin.com) and ask to be placed on our mailing list and to receive notice of our meetings. Also, please see our website: Coalition Westport.org
Thank you very much Larry Weisman and I will do so. I am very much aligned with The Coalition on every point you made in this letter.
I’d like—respectfully—to hear how the Coalition will work to restrict 18 wheeler traffic, and perhaps present a plan for doing that PRIOR to replacing the William F. Cribari Bridge. A sort of putting the horse before the cart approach. Members have frequently mentioned this plan, and now, at the eleventh hour would be a great time to execute.
If a trucker thinks it is necessary to cross the new bridge then he will do so. If a police officer gives him a ticket then he will pay it and move on.
Therefore, the state will continue planning to build the new bridge and start the construction. The new bridge on Route 136 is for the safety of the public because the old bridge could collapse sometime in the future and kill people.
Werner, I too look forward to learning about the Coalition’s exact plan to ban 18 wheelers from the Cribari Bridge. And yes, we would obviously need to have that ban fully secured BEFORE anything else regarding the bridge is contemplated.
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I would put a community garden along the southern most border of Winslow, parallel to the Post Road, where the dogs rarely go. I would heavily screen the southern border with native trees and shrubs, and build out a garden up to the current paved walkway. In my opinion, this location would not dissect or otherwise interfere with the dog community. It has been a location advocated for decades by longtime community gardener and expert Nick Mancini.
Would it be possible to build the structure of the new Cribari Bridge with supports that run across at a level that would prohibit bigger semi trucks from going across and running the risk of shearing the top of their trucks? I see that works under some freeway overpasses. Yes, you do see a truck who gets stuck from time to time, but it is rare. With enough warning in advance with properly placed signage, perhaps this would could have an impact.
That’s a great idea, Blake… However the former First Selectwoman and CTDOT plan to demolish the traffic restricting bridge with a new one that allows 18 wheelers.
And they have done this with NO PUBLIC HEARING. I think that flouts federal regulations. Which is why i started a petition for federal oversight on this project. Sign this petition if you want an open pubic hearing where your voice will count.
https://c.org/xM7ZPdyV82
If you want to have your say and you want other Westporters to have their equally important say.share the link. Over 600 have signed so far.