By James Lomuscio

Just a small crowd of 15 persons turned out tonight at a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) public information session on plans to replace the Beachside Avenue bridge over 1-95.

Replacement of the Beachside Avenue Bridge will begin in two years and cause its closure for six to nine months. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The estimated $8.1 million project would involve replacing a two-span bridge totaling 203 feet, according to the CDOT.

Commencing in the spring of 2020, the project would take between six to nine months and would require the closing of Beachside Avenue at the intersection of Greens Farms Road for that period, CDOT engineers said.

Traffic would be rerouted through the neighborhood, adding travel time to the Greens Farms Academy, as well as to public school buses serving the area.

Replacement of the Westport Fire Department parking lot, 515 Post Road East, is underway.  According to Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick (r), this is the first time the parking lot has been replaced since the building was erected in 1987. He said the asphalt is being completely removed, will be repaved and drainage flow will be reinforced. He said the project will require about one week. Kronick is pictured with Town of Westport Construction Engineer Rafael Ramos. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Saying an important legal issue is at stake, First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that the town had filed a petition with the Appellate Court requesting a review of the Superior Court order that Westport issue a conditional sewer permit to Summit Saugatuck, LLC.

The Board of Selectmen, acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), had previously denied the applicant to issue a conditional sewer permit to Summit Saugatuck, LLC. A Superior Court judge rules in the applicant’s favor on May 7.

Felix Charney, Summit owner, plans a development of 187 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments on Hiawatha Lane in Saugatuck.

Summit’s plan for the eight acres it owns on Hiawatha Lane near the train station calls for 30 percent of the units being set aside for moderate income households having maximum rent and household income restrictions for 40 years.