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Board of Selectmen approves Church Lane closure and summer music series, leaves door open for later extension
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Summary
The Westport Board of Selectmen on March 11 approved a seasonal closure of Church Lane and a summer music series presented by the Westport Downtown Association, while asking staff to vet any extension past Oct. 1 with town departments.
The Westport Board of Selectmen voted March 11 to temporarily close Church Lane between Elm Street and Post Road East for a seasonal pedestrian and outdoor-dining area and to allow a summer music series on adjacent sidewalks.
Max Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association, outlined the proposal and said the closure ‘‘has been a wonderful asset’’ added during the COVID period and that the music series gives local performers ‘‘a platform and a stage to perform.’’ Crowley asked for a May 8 start and said the association manages movable barricades so emergency vehicles and deliveries can pass.
Corporal Damira Island of the Westport Police Department told the board the department has worked closely with the Downtown Association and ‘‘from the police department point of view, everything is always handled properly.’’ The association and police agreed to continued coordination on safety and access.
During discussion board members raised the possibility of extending the Oct. 1 end date in favorable weather; Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Levine recommended limiting approval to the plan circulated to town departments so that any extension can be vetted if paving or other town work is scheduled.
Several public speakers endorsed the plan. Matthew Mandel, executive director of the Westport Western Chamber of Commerce, said the closure brings people downtown, and Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes With Hope, said clients enjoy the music and gathering space. A resident who gave a Westport address also urged the board to consider an extension and separately asked the town to reevaluate the number of electric-vehicle parking stalls in the Baldwin lot.
The board approved the closure and music-series permit by voice vote. Members said staff should check department calendars and return with a recommended extension date if necessary; no formal extension was approved at the meeting.
