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The What: How Did SW CT Vote; Connecting Neighborhoods in Norwalk; and more

The What is your look around southwest Connecticut for the week of Nov. 9.

The What: How Did SW CT Vote; Connecting Neighborhoods in Norwalk; and more
Hope you had a good weekend and enjoyed that last bit of warmth! (Photo by Kelly Prinz)

Monday, November 9

Happy Monday! Now that Election Day has passed, we have a look into how the region voted, as well as a lot of important meetings and events happening this week. 

 Highlights 

This section gives a brief overview of the key items in the newsletter.

Spotlight

This section features our main reporting each week.

A look at how Lower Fairfield County voted for Congressman Jim Himes (Courtesy of The New York Times)

The blue wave that crossed the country, handing Democrats control of the Senate, House of Representatives, and numerous governorships, also came to Lower Fairfield County. While Connecticut has been bluer than many of the states that flipped this election, the Democrats still picked up state seats and Governor Ned Lamont easily won a third term.

“Right now there are too many people getting left behind—the middle class is getting slammed. You’re working harder and harder, and you’re having a harder time getting by,” Lamont said in his victory speech. “That’s our pledge…to make this life a little easier for you, a little more affordable, and a little fairer for each and every one of you.”

Lamont captured 59.6% of the vote—or 773,556 votes—while Republican challenger Ryan Fazio took in 40.4% or 525,015. Lamont is only the second governor in Connecticut to win a third consecutive term, while Republicans haven’t won a statewide election in 20 years. 

Locally, all seven communities in our region voted for Lamont, by varying degrees. 

Bridgeport, the largest city in the region (and the state), supported Lamont by the largest margin—81%. Westport cast 72% of its votes for Lamont, while Stamford and Norwalk each cast 68% of their ballots for Lamont. Fairfield was next, casting 62% of its vote for Lamont.

But just how blue did Lower Fairfield County vote? Let’s dive in. 

ICYMI: The towers are officially down on the Walk Bridge construction project. Explore the work taking place.

This Week at a Glance

This section includes a list of meetings, events, and programming happening around southwest Connecticut each week.

Bridgeport

Featured Meeting: The Board of Education will meet on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and discuss establishing a full-time city attorney position dedicated to—and funded by—the board.

Stamford

Featured Meetings: Officials are asking for an additional $3.5 million for the Perna Lane sewer project due to more work needed on rock excavation than was anticipated. The proposal will be in front of the Planning Board on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and in front of the Board of Finance on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. In addition, the Board of Finance will also consider allocating an additional $2.3 million from the state for the StamFORWARD microtransit program. 

Norwalk

Featured Meeting: It’s a busy week in the city. There are multiple opportunities on Monday, Nov. 9 and Tuesday, Nov. 10 to participate in public workshops, walking tours, and meetings to learn about efforts to reconnect the neighborhoods around the I-95 and Route 7 interchange. In addition, on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., the Norwalk school district is hosting a Community Forum: AI & Screentime. School officials said they are “in the midst of creating unique guidelines and best practices to aid our students’ learning experiences,” and “need more feedback from our community.” Explore how schools across the region are using AI. 

Fairfield

Featured Meetings: The Town Plan and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and review an application from the town itself and Operation Hope of Fairfield for 488 & 554 Tunxis Hill Road. The proposal is to add more buildings to the site to accommodate a food pantry, community kitchen, supportive services, and offices. No overnight shelter services to be provided. In addition, on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., there will be a Fairfield Beach Pump Station Public Meeting. Residents will hear from the Water Pollution Control Utility (WPCU) along with Town consultants Geddis Architects and Tighe & Bond about the project. 

Greenwich

Featured Meeting: The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and hear multiple applications, including a request from the developer at 585 West Putnam Road to receive a five-year extension to complete work on the site. The plans call for constructing a 44-unit residential development with 20% affordable units. 

Darien

Featured Meetings: The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. and hear a request from the town to conduct “substantial improvements” at Great Island. In addition, the commission will review an application for “flood damage prevention” on the work taking place at 16 and 22 Thorndal Circle (which is being converted from office space to residential units). In addition, the Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.  and hear an update from the Advisory Sidewalk Committee; an update on town drainage projects; and an update from the Parking Authority on parking strategy in the town.

Westport

Featured Meeting: The Representative Town Meeting will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and vote on appropriating $176,000 for a study comparing construction options for Coleytown Elementary School as well as vote on appropriating $1.1 million for work on the town’s Safe Streets and Roads for all initiatives.

Stay in touch!

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Please note: All of these agendas and information here are current as of Sunday night. Meeting times and agendas may get adjusted throughout the week.

Have a great week,

Kelly Prinz

Founder, Reporter at Coastal Connecticut Times