By James Lomuscio
Though the date is more than seven years away, Lou Gagliano, chairman of the Downtown 2020 Committee, says “the time is now” for Westport to plan its future.

Downtown 2020 Chair Lou Gagliano tonight with committee member Craig Rebecca Schiavone. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com“We have a unique opportunity here,” Gagliano told about 20 persons assembled in the Town Hall auditorium tonight at the committee’s first evening public meeting. “The time is now, so we’re here tonight to hear from you, the members of the community, to tell us what your concerns are because it’s an important path we’re walking together.”
Formed by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff in March to plan the revitalization of the downtown while integrating planned projects such as Bedford Square, National Hall’s redevelopment, the library’s planned expansion and a cinema, the seven-member committee is now in the process of raising $150,000 to hire a consultant to draw up a master plan.
To reach that amount, Gagliano says the committee plans to raise $75,000 by Jan. 1 and seek the rest from the town. He said Downtown 2020 already has $17,000 in its coffers, including today’s $10,000 gift from the Westport Chamber of Commerce.