WESTPORT – The construction of a new $103.2 million Long Lots Elementary School complex and Stepping Stones preschool moved one big step forward to breaking ground for an anticipated September 2027 opening after the town Planning & Zoning Commission approved the school’s final permit and site plan.
After the remote special meeting First Selectwoman Jen Tooker was in a celebratory mood as he she thanked all involved in the nearly three-year endeavor.
“I am extremely grateful to the Flood and Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Finance, the RTM, and the Planning & Zoning Commission – all of which voted unanimously to move this significant Town project forward,” Tooker said in a prepared statement. “These elected and appointed members took the time to listen and deliberate the merits of the plans, conditions and finances. They heard their constituents and voted accordingly.”
The special permit and site plan were approved during a special meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission Monday, June 16. The permit allows for the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School, parking lot, multipurpose fields, playgrounds, basketball court, play area and drainage system and to permit non-exempt excavation and fill, for property located in the Residence A/AA district.”
It has taken about three years for the town government to get to where it is now. The Long Lots Elementary School Building Committee was approved by the RTM in September 2022 and a feasibility study to build a new school was accepted in October 2023.
“From multiple iterations of plans and reviews; from a combined 50+ committee, commission, and board meetings over the past 2.5 years, where the design plans, financials and details were scrutinized, updated, reviewed, discussed, and multiple opportunities for public input was provided, to today, I have been confident that the LLSBC produced a site plan that incorporates and addresses multiple stakeholders’ advice, information, concerns and issues,” the first selectwoman added.
“Now, as this phase of the project moves forward, I remain confident that the Building Committee will continue to focus on its mission and bring the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool to ultimate completion.”
It is anticipated that groundbreaking will occur this year with an anticipated move-in date in September 2027, according to Tooker.
At its June 12 meeting the RTM voted to approve an appropriation in the amount of $101,920,000 – $103,190,124 along with bond and note authorization – to the Educational Facility Improvement Fund Account for the construction of the new Long Lots Elementary School.
One day after the final P&Z permit approval the Long Lots School Building Committee held a meeting to update residents about the project and next steps, including an executive session to review submissions for RFP/RFQ for structural PEER review.
Opponents of the project have less than two weeks to gather 1,860 signatures, or 10% of registered voters, to force a referendum.
