GOP Leader to Dems: Don't Close State Beach for Obama Political Fundraising

Update 3:22 p.m.:

State House Republican Leader Larry Cafero, a Norwalk Republican, complained about the closure of Sherwood Island State Park in order to ferry President Obama to political fundraising events..

"It is the arrogance of power and crass partisanship to shut down Sherwood Isle at the height of the summer vacation season and dislodge all these families," Cafero said. "It is outrageous that the Democrats turn Sherwood Isle into a personal heliport for the president so that he can be ferried back and forth to hobnob with millionaires and billionaires for the day."

Cafero continued:

"Where is Occupy Wall Street when you need them?"

"Democratic high rolling donation bundlers dine in luxury with the President, and people whose only relief are state parks are left to bake in the summer heat with no relief."

(Cafero's news release is attached to this article.)

The White House has reserved in order for President Obama to have a quick and convenient entrance to, and exit from Fairfield County during his trip to two campaign fundraising events. The state beach will be closed for the entire day. 

"Motorists can expect traffic delays and momentary road closures in the Greens Farms area of Westport late afternoon and early evening," said Captain John Calka. "Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use caution if they must pass through the area."

Westport’s Burying Hill Beach is also closed today due to President Obama’s visit tonight to Weinstein's nearby home, First Selectman Gordon Joseloff announced today.

Original article:

President Obama will helicopter in on to Monday with hopes of raising millions of dollars for his presidential campaign.

The President will attend a fundraiser reception at the Stamford Marriott before heading back to Westport for a gathering where about 50 people are expected to attend. Admission is $35,800 a person, according to a report in the Hartford Courant.

"The Dark Knight Rises" actress Anne Hathaway and "The Newsroom" creator Aaron Sorkin will co-host the event at Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's 8,900 square-foot home. Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Joanne Woodward, the widow of Paul Newman, are also expected to be in attendance at Weinstein's 26 Beachside Ave. estate.

The six bedroom, seven bathroom (three half bathroom) colonial mansion sits on 2.33 acres located next to Westport's Burying Hill Beach and across the street from . The home was built in 1909, but Weinstein did not come into ownership of the property until 1994, when he paid $4.2 million for the spead, according to Courant.com's Property Line. Weinstein reportedly owns the neighboring property at 28 Beachside Ave. The value of the entire estate is $15.5 million. 

The White House has reserved Sherwood Island State Park in order for Obama to have a quick and convenient entrance to, and exit from Fairfield County. The state beach will be closed for the entire day.