By Keith M. Phaneuf

Connecticut’s congested transportation network does more than try motorists’ patience: It costs businesses and residents at least $670 million a year, according to a new draft report prepared for the state’s Transportation Strategy Board.

The position paper, one of several that ultimately will comprise the board’s 2011 update to its statewide transportation strategy, says lower productivity, higher operating expenses, weakened worker recruitment efforts and other problems associated with clogged highways and limited alternatives contribute to the rising price tag.

And though the problem is worst in the Stamford-to-Bridgeport corridor in Connecticut’s southwestern corridor, major congestion costs also plague the Hartford and New Haven areas, leaving the state at an increasing business disadvantage.

The report’s findings are bolstered by a new national study that ranks Connecticut among the worst states for urban highway congestion.

Work continued today on the facelift to the strip of stores at 606 Post Road East owned by Westport’s Kowalsky family. The shopping complex will soon be the new home of the Vincent Palumbo Salon, operated by Vincent Palumbo, former principal of Peter Coppola Salon. It opens in September in 4,200 square feet. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Business was brisk at Westport’s Matsu Sushi restaurant today as it and 11 other restaurants participating in Westport Restaurant Week kicked off a week of specially priced lunch and dinner menus. The event, the second of the year, is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and runs through Sept. 4. Although it’s not on the special menus, Matsu Sushi offers the popular WestportNow Roll named after a certain local Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Pho Garden, featuring Vietnamese cuisine, officially opened today at 1620 Post Road East in Westport. Owned by Bridgeport residents Anh Nguyen and Tim Huynh, the new restaurant seats 34 and offers takeout service. (See WestportNow Aug. 4, 2010) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

Barista Jessica Kerch was busy serving up truffles and cappuccinos Friday when questions came from the curious who breezed through Cocoa Michelle at 190 Main St. in Westport.

Coca Michelle regulars, including Jim Fine (hat) of Weston, were sad to see the Main Street store close. “We have come to rely on it,” he said. “I’m furious.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“Today’s the last day?” a woman asked. Kerch nodded.

“What are you going to do with all the chocolates?” the woman continued. “Any discounts?”

Kerch confirmed that it was the last day of operation for the chocolate seller and cafe, but there would be no discounts.

Westport’s unemployment rate in July increased to 6.2 percent from 6 percent in June (corrected from the earlier announced 5.9 percent), the Connecticut Department of Labor said.

It was just below the 6.3 percent May rate which was the highest since January when it was 6.6 percent. The department said the number of unemployed in July was 809, up 40 from 769 in June.

While the unemployment rate was up, the Department of Labor said the July labor force in Westport numbered 13,054 persons with 12,245 employed, both figures a high for the year.

The Westport labor force number increased by 152 persons in July over June, the department said, with 112 more persons employed in July over June.

Cocoa Michelle, a chocolate store and cafe at 190 Main St., closes Friday after a four-year run at the address. Store owner Michelle Weber will continue to operate a branch at 54 Railroad Place opposite the train station in Westport’s Saugatuck area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Gap, the men’s and women’s nationwide casual apparel chain, is expected to relocate its Westport store from its current location at 69 Main St. to 125 Main St. The town’s regulatory departments are currently reviewing the application for approval of facade renovations.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com