New Lease Agreement Within Reach Between Town And Westport PAL

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Athletic League, which has been using the Doubleday Field House and P.J. Romano Athletic Field at Saugatuck Elementary School for decades, is inching toward a new lease with the town to continue to use the same site.

On Monday, the Planning and Zoning unanimously approved a 20-year lease agreement, with two 5-year extensions, for $1 per year. The pact, which has been negotiated between the town and PAL, still needs approval by the Board of Selectwomen.

"It's a great use," said P&Z Chair Danielle Dobin. "I'm very pleased to see another long-term lease agreement."

Among the sports the PAL oversees at the site include football, flag football, and lacrosse.

According to Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug, the organization will begin fundraising in October to make major renovations at the site, which Westport Police Officer Craig Bergamo, PAL president, said could include expanding the building to allow for more storage of sports equipment.

Additionally, PAL will add interior and exterior surveillance cameras to help with security of the building.