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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Quick Article Index . . .
Westport Planning Board to sponsor Planning and
Zoning Workshop.
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Senator
Rodrigues and Representative Koczera File
Legislation to Designate Veteran Status on Drivers Licenses. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, August 17, 2011 Boston - Legislation to create special
identification on Veteran’s driver’s license and identification cards has
been filed by State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) and
State Representative Robert Koczera (D-New
Bedford). Senator Rodrigues, the primary sponsor of the bill, says the law is another way for veterans to show proof of their service to collect certain benefits. “This designation allows distinguished veterans whom have served our nation with honor and reside here in the Commonwealth a way to be recognized,” Said Rodrigues. “Veterans will be able to effortlessly prove service to collect their entitled benefits.”
The legislation, upon the veteran’s request, authorizes the RMV to affix a capital “V” to the license or identification card once the veteran presents the RMV with a DD Form 214, which is issued by the US Department of Defense to veterans who have received an honorable discharge from active duty.
The House sponsor of the bill, State Representative Robert Koczera elaborated on the importance of passing this legislation for Massachusetts Veterans. “This veteran’s designation will make it easier for veterans to receive the benefits that they are entitled to,” he said. “This is just one other way we recognize the sacrifices that veterans have made on our behalf.”
The Massachusetts bill which has already garnered bi-partisan support is not a new concept to neighboring states. Across the United States similar legislation has passed such as in Connecticut, Maine, Florida, Maine, Arkansas Georgia, Utah, and Indiana. EverythingWestport.com Thursday, August 18, 2011
The long anticipated arrival of their aperitif chardonnay is over. Grace. Before the meal. Their aperitif Chardonnay was 7 years in the making. To make Grace is deceptively simple. They take their estate grown eau de vie of chardonnay and blend it with brilliant, fresh pressed chardonnay juice. Then age it in French oak. "Give the elements time to evolve and the result is nothing short of heavenly. Aromatics of lemon zest, rich toast, ripe pears lay across sweet, succulent fruit," explains Bill Russell, the Vineyard's wine maker.
A 17.5% alcohol by volume. 375ml bottle is just $29.99. Grace is here, and only available at the winery or their online store. Westport Planning Board to sponsor Planning and Zoning
Workshop. EverythingWestport.com Thursday, August 18, 2011 Workshop to gather and
exchange ideas about economic development along the Route 6 Narrows District. The Town of Westport Planning Board invites local
businesses and residents to participate in a planning and zoning workshop on
Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 9 am to 12 pm at Whites of Westport, 66
State Road, Westport, MA. The purpose of this workshop is to stimulate an
exchange of ideas, information, and opinions about economic development needs
and solutions along the Narrows Area of Route 6 and beyond. This meeting,
conducted by the Cecil Group of Boston, will kick start the planning process
and lay the foundation for potential zoning bylaw amendments. Participants will identify interests and concerns
regarding different areas of Route 6 and elements of development such as:
traffic circulation and access, open space and natural resource protection,
development scale and mix of uses, economic opportunities, and other key
design and development issues. The information exchange by workshop
participants will educate the Planning Board and Westport community about the
needs of other residents and business owners, design challenges and the pros
and cons of different development options. The process promotes
consensus-building toward a common vision. Workshop is free. There is no charge for the workshop. To register or for
questions, please call or click the Planning Department at (508) 636-1037 or planning@westport-ma.gov.
The Planning Department looks forward to working with the community on this
project and we look forward to seeing you on September 10th. Background Several reports have been prepared by the Southeastern
Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) commencing with
the 2005 Westport Route 6 Corridor Study. The Study identified three primary
segments: #1 Fall River line to Gifford Road; #2 Gifford Road to Union
Street; and #3 Union Street to Dartmouth line. The 2004 Westport Master Plan,
as well as, the history of Westport, and sensitive environmental resources
and constraints were reviewed to identify challenges and opportunities in
each segment of the corridor. The Study provides recommendations such as
adopting Site Plan Approval zoning by-law (which the Town did in 2007), that
the Town modify the allowed uses in the Business District to promote vibrant
economic uses and eliminate other uses, and increase the size of the Business
District in the Narrows area. Other ideas include creating mixed-use
districts and pursuing context sensitive redesign of areas along Route 6. In 2008, the Westport Priority Protection &
Development Areas Report was funded by the South Coast Rail Project. The
purpose of the report was to distinguish areas in Westport that are capable
of handling more development due to several factors, including good access,
available infrastructure (primarily water and sewer), an absence of
environmental constraints, and local support versus areas that deserve
special protection due to the presence of significant environmental factors
and natural features, such as endangered species habitats, areas critical to
water supply, scenic vistas, or areas of historic significance. The 2010 Narrows Redevelopment Area Report evaluates
future potential economic development opportunities and considerations for
zoning revisions and /or additions, and infrastructure improvements that will
be necessary in order to encourage revitalization of the Narrows, which
includes. The review and analysis was conducted as part of the technical
assistance component of the South Coast Rail Land Use and Economic
Development Corridor Study, 2009. Most recently, the Planning Board met with resident and property owner, Warren Messier, and learned of his proposal to create the Westport Business & Industry Campus Development Consortium, and to act as developer of a 260-acre parcel that is located adjacent to Interstate 195, Route 6 and Route 88. Mr. Messier asserts that this new private investment will create long term, higher wage employment, generate much needed local tax revenues, encourage ancillary business activity and leverage public sector assistance to expedite revitalization.
The Planning Board has also retained The Cecil Group to
assist the community in identifying development scenarios through a public
workshop. One element of the workshop will be the formation of participant
stakeholder groups to identify prevailing interests and concerns regarding
different areas of Route 6 and elements of development such as: traffic
circulation and access, open space and natural resource protection,
development scale and mix of uses, economic opportunities, and other key
design and development issues. The information exchange by workshop
participants serves to educate the Planning Board and Westport community
about the needs of other residents and business owners, design challenges and
the pros and cons of different development options. For questions, please call or click the Planning Department at (508) 636-1037 or planning@westport-ma.gov. We look forward to working with the community on this project and we look forward to seeing you on September 10th. - - - - - End - - - - - ©
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Highlighting
their 25 years of growing Massachusetts' own wine, Westport Rivers Vineyard
is proud to introduce Grace.