I am pleased to announce that on, November 22, 2022, Westport has completed the purchase of 105 acres of open land to the west of Westport’s Town Hall and Administrative Building, by the unanimous vote of Westport’s Town Board led by its Chair, Ken Sipsma. The land formerly owned by the principals of Bagels Forever had been zoned and planned as a bagel factory for many years but has recently been for sale. The land reaches north and east of the corner of County Highway M and Woodland Drive and is bordered by the Town of Westport’s Town Center Park to the East and homes on Mary Lake Road to the North. This purchase is the culmination of a quest to buy and preserve the property by the Town’s Electors, John VanDinter (then Chair), and the entire Westport Town Board back on April 10, 2007.

Immediately after the purchase, Westport entered into an agreement with Groundswell Conservancy to preserve and protect the property from any development or use that would alter the nature of the property from the beautiful unspoiled open space that it is today. In return, Groundswell Conservancy has made this all possible by assisting the Town in negotiating two large donations prior to the purchase, and has pledged to seek local, County, and State funds to finance much of the remaining funds needed.

Congratulations Westport! This wonderful property is now available for all of us to enjoy forever, without the threat of commercial development.

Dean A. Grosskopf
Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer